Archives for June 2024

Good morning,

Daniel 10 reminds us that spiritual warfare is real, and the prayers of the faithful are potent weapons in this unseen battle. It encourages us to persist in prayer, trusting that our prayers are heard from the moment they leave our lips. The chapter also assures us that God provides strength and revelation when we seek Him with a humble and contrite heart.

Daniel 10

Daniel’s Vision by the Tigris

Heaven’s Response: A Divine Vision and Strength from Above

Section I: Daniel’s Mourning and Fasting (Daniel 10:1-3)

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

The chapter begins with Daniel mourning for three weeks. During this time, he abstains from all delicacies, meat, and wine, indicating a period of intense fasting and prayer.

Section II: The Vision by the Tigris (Daniel 10:4-9)

4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

While standing by the Tigris river, Daniel experiences a powerful vision of a divine being, radiant and awe-inspiring. Despite the presence of others, only Daniel sees the vision, leaving him drained of strength and falling into a deep sleep.

Section III: Strengthened by the Divine Visitor (Daniel 10:10-19)

10 And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.     13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

An angelic hand touches Daniel and sets him on his hands and knees, trembling. The angel tells Daniel he is greatly loved, explains his delay due to spiritual warfare with the Prince of Persia, and reassures him about his prayers being heard from the beginning. He strengthens Daniel and prepares him to receive a prophecy.

Section IV: Prophecy of the Future Wars (Daniel 10:20-21)

20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

The angel reveals that he will soon return to the spiritual battle with the Princes of Persia and Greece. But before doing so, he tells Daniel about what will happen to his people in the latter days, providing a transition into the detailed prophecy of chapters 11 and 12.

Daniel 10 takes us deep into the spiritual realm as it records the prophet Daniel’s intense spiritual encounter. As Daniel enters a period of mourning and fasting, he is met by a heavenly visitor who unveils prophetic visions of the future. This chapter is a powerful testament to the spiritual realities that exist beyond our human perception, underscoring the profound link between our physical and spiritual experiences.

Themes

Spiritual warfare

Divine revelations

Personal struggle

Intercession of heavenly beings

Physical manifestations of spiritual experiences

Topics

Fasting and mourning

Angelic visitations

Power and impact of prayer

Prophecies concerning future events

Spiritual strength in times of distress

People

Daniel

Angelic Messenger (potentially Gabriel)

Michael, the Archangel

The Kings of Persia

The Prince of Greece

Locations

The banks of the Tigris River

Persia

Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Who is at war? God and Satan

Who is Satan?

“Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” (Ezekiel 28:12-19)

What was Satan’s sin? 

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Jesus speaking to the Jews.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)

What does Satan do?

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)

What should Believers in Christ do?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.(Ephesians 6:10-13)

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.(1 Corinthians 10:13)

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 9 serves as a powerful testament to the potency of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine plans. Despite Israel’s repeated sins, God’s enduring love and willingness to forgive offer hope for restoration. The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ reminds us of God’s sovereignty over time and history, and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Daniel 9

Gabriel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

The Seventy ‘Sevens’ (Daniel 9:24-27)

24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Gabriel delivers the prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’, explaining that 70 weeks are decreed for Daniel’s people and the holy city. This prophecy encompasses the coming of an anointed one, a period of distress and desolation, and the ultimate establishment of everlasting righteousness.(Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

 V. 24 “Seventy weeks” represents seventy sevens of years. The term set the time of the end of Israel’s punishment. The seven weeks of years (49 years) in v.25 may refer to the time of building the Temple  walls at Jerusalem and to the reestablishing  of the nation after the captivity. There were to be sixty-two (434 years) plus seven (49 years), or sixty-nine weeks of years, 483 years until the time of the Savior.

V. 26 After the mentioned “threescore and two weeks” in verse 24 (following the seven weeks)-thus, after the 483 years preceding the time of the Messiah-the Messiah will be cut off. 

The sixty-ninth week is reckoned to have ended at the death of Christ. God left the Temple: “Behold your house is left unto you desolate” (Matt. 23:38). Israel had killed her Messiah and with her empty forms of worship, could not represent God on earth. Soon Titus would destroy the Temple, and Israel would be scattered all over the world. 

Rome destroyed Jerusalem under Titus in A.D. 70. Titus later became emperor of Rome (A.D. 79-81), so Romans are “the people of the prince that shall come” (the Antichrist) in the restored Roman Empire.

V. 27  The dictator-to-be of the restored Roman Empire in the tribulation time will make a covenant with Israel for seven years that they may restore the O.T. worship with priests, sacrifices, and Temple. This great gap for Israel as a nation will exist from the death of Christ until the Antichrist’s decree. Today God has no nation Israel, no Temple, no priests, no sacrifices, serving the true God. The little nation Israel, formed in 1948, is not counted here as Israel and will not be counted  until the Antichrist appears and agrees to the O.T. worship–sacrifices, and priesthood again.

After three and one-half years, the Man of Sin, or Antichrist, will stop Israel’s sacrifices and commit the “abomination of desolation” (Matt. 24:15). Second Thessalonians 2:3 mentions the Antichrist, “man of sin…the son of perdition”; and verse 4 records, “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 

This coming ruler of the revised Roman Empire–the Antichrist or Man of sin–is the same as the horn rising among the ten horns in Daniel 7:24. His persecution of the saints and Jews after he stops the sacrifices will continue for “a time and times and dividing of time” (7:25). That is the last three and one-half years, the forty-two months, or, 1,260 days, of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 11:2, 3, 12:6, 14; Dan. 8:14; 12:7)

From many Scriptures we know that Christ’s coming for His saints is imminent. He may come at any moment before these revealed matters about the Antichrist, but the Bible gives no hint as to an exact date. We only know that Christ is bound to come before those other prophesied events occur. (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.925-926)

Daniel 9 unfolds as a heartfelt episode in the life of Daniel, the prophet in Babylonian exile. It is marked by his fervent prayer for his people, Israel, pleading for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Through divine revelation, this chapter unveils God’s future plan for the redemption of His people and the prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ shared by the angel Gabriel, making it a significant chapter in biblical prophecy. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

Themes

The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’

God’s Righteous Judgment

The role of angels in communication with humanity

People

Daniel

Gabriel – the angel

Darius – the king of Persia

Jeremiah – the prophet (mentioned)

God

Locations

Babylon (where Daniel was exiled)

Jerusalem (mentioned in the context of restoration)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 9 serves as a powerful testament to the potency of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine plans. Despite Israel’s repeated sins, God’s enduring love and willingness to forgive offer hope for restoration. The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ reminds us of God’s sovereignty over time and history, and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Daniel 9

Gabriel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

Divine Response and Prophecy (Daniel 9:20-23)        

 20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God;21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

While Daniel was still praying, Gabriel, who he had seen in an earlier vision, came swiftly to him. Gabriel explains that he has come to give Daniel insight and understanding, as his prayers were heard as soon as he began to pray.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 9 serves as a powerful testament to the potency of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine plans. Despite Israel’s repeated sins, God’s enduring love and willingness to forgive offer hope for restoration. The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ reminds us of God’s sovereignty over time and history, and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Daniel 9

Gabriel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

Prayer and Repentance (Daniel 9:1-6)

In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

In the first year of Darius, Daniel understood from the Scriptures that Jerusalem’s desolation, prophesied by Jeremiah, would last seventy years. Daniel then confesses his sins and the sins of his people, acknowledging God’s righteousness in His judgments. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

Plea for Mercy (Daniel 9:7-19)

7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.14 Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.15 And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.   

Daniel fervently continues his prayer, pleading God’s mercy on His city Jerusalem and His people, admitting their rebellion against Him, and confessing God’s righteousness in bringing judgment upon them. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

Divine Response and Prophecy (Daniel 9:20-23)        

 20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God;21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

While Daniel was still praying, Gabriel, who he had seen in an earlier vision, came swiftly to him. Gabriel explains that he has come to give Daniel insight and understanding, as his prayers were heard as soon as he began to pray.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

The Seventy ‘Sevens’ (Daniel 9:24-27)

24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Gabriel delivers the prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’, explaining that 70 weeks are decreed for Daniel’s people and the holy city. This prophecy encompasses the coming of an anointed one, a period of distress and desolation, and the ultimate establishment of everlasting righteousness.(Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

 V. 24 “Seventy weeks” represents seventy sevens of years. The term set the time of the end of Israel’s punishment. The seven weeks of years (49 years) in v.25 may refer to the time of building the Temple  walls at Jerusalem and to the reestablishing  of the nation after the captivity. There were to be sixty-two (434 years) plus seven (49 years), or sixty-nine weeks of years, 483 years until the time of the Savior.

V. 26 After the mentioned “threescore and two weeks” in verse 24 (following the seven weeks)-thus, after the 483 years preceding the time of the Messiah-the Messiah will be cut off. 

The sixty-ninth week is reckoned to have ended at the death of Christ. God left the Temple: “Behold your house is left unto you desolate” (Matt. 23:38). Israel had killed her Messiah and with her empty forms of worship, could not represent God on earth. Soon Titus would destroy the Temple, and Israel would be scattered all over the world. 

Rome destroyed Jerusalem under Titus in A.D. 70. Titus later became emperor of Rome (A.D. 79-81), so Romans are “the people of the prince that shall come” (the Antichrist) in the restored Roman Empire.

V. 27  The dictator-to-be of the restored Roman Empire in the tribulation time will make a covenant with Israel for seven years that they may restore the O.T. worship with priests, sacrifices, and Temple. This great gap for Israel as a nation will exist from the death of Christ until the Antichrist’s decree. Today God has no nation Israel, no Temple, no priests, no sacrifices, serving the true God. The little nation Israel, formed in 1948, is not counted here as Israel and will not be counted  until the Antichrist appears and agrees to the O.T. worship–sacrifices, and priesthood again.

After three and one-half years, the Man of Sin, or Antichrist, will stop Israel’s sacrifices and commit the “abomination of desolation” (Matt. 24:15). Second Thessalonians 2:3 mentions the Antichrist, “man of sin…the son of perdition”; and verse 4 records, “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 

This coming ruler of the revised Roman Empire–the Antichrist or Man of sin–is the same as the horn rising among the ten horns in Daniel 7:24. His persecution of the saints and Jews after he stops the sacrifices will continue for “a time and times and dividing of time” (7:25). That is the last three and one-half years, the forty-two months, or, 1,260 days, of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 11:2, 3, 12:6, 14; Dan. 8:14; 12:7)

From many Scriptures we know that Christ’s coming for His saints is imminent. He may come at any moment before these revealed matters about the Antichrist, but the Bible gives no hint as to an exact date. We only know that Christ is bound to come before those other prophesied events occur. (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.925-926)

Daniel 9 unfolds as a heartfelt episode in the life of Daniel, the prophet in Babylonian exile. It is marked by his fervent prayer for his people, Israel, pleading for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Through divine revelation, this chapter unveils God’s future plan for the redemption of His people and the prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ shared by the angel Gabriel, making it a significant chapter in biblical prophecy. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

Themes

The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’

God’s Righteous Judgment

The role of angels in communication with humanity

People

Daniel

Gabriel – the angel

Darius – the king of Persia

Jeremiah – the prophet (mentioned)

God

Locations

Babylon (where Daniel was exiled)

Jerusalem (mentioned in the context of restoration)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 9 serves as a powerful testament to the potency of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine plans. Despite Israel’s repeated sins, God’s enduring love and willingness to forgive offer hope for restoration. The prophecy of Seventy ‘sevens’ reminds us of God’s sovereignty over time and history, and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Plea for Mercy (Daniel 9:7-19)

7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.14 Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.15 And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.   

Daniel fervently continues his prayer, pleading God’s mercy on His city Jerusalem and His people, admitting their rebellion against Him, and confessing God’s righteousness in bringing judgment upon them. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 9)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 8 offers a testament to God’s absolute control over history, even when evil seems momentarily victorious. The chapter prompts us to understand God’s sovereignty and trust in His plans, regardless of how insurmountable challenges may appear. In the end, God’s righteousness prevails. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Daniel 8

Daniel’s vision of the ram and the he-goat 

Gabriel Interprets the Vision (v.15-27)

15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

The angel Gabriel interprets the vision for Daniel, explaining that it represents future kingdoms and leaders. Despite the disturbing vision, Gabriel reassures Daniel that the desolation will end. The chapter concludes with Daniel, exhausted and ill, yet keeping the vision a secret.

Chapter 8 of the book of Daniel presents a profound and detailed prophecy. In this chapter, Daniel recounts a vision he received about a ram and a goat, representing upcoming empires. These beasts foretell the rise and fall of future nations and set the scene for intense spiritual warfare. An angel interprets the visions for Daniel, revealing God’s sovereignty over history’s unfolding events. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Themes

Prophetic Visions

Spiritual Warfare

Interpretation of Dreams

Sovereignty of God

Hope Amidst Desolation

Topics

Visions and Prophecies

Symbolism in the Bible

Power and Dominion

Destruction and Restoration

Understanding God’s Plan

People

Daniel

Gabriel

The Ram (symbolizing the kings of Media and Persia)

The Goat (symbolizing the king of Greece)

Locations

Susa (Citadel)

Ulai Canal

Babylon (Implied) 

(Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 8 offers a testament to God’s absolute control over history, even when evil seems momentarily victorious. The chapter prompts us to understand God’s sovereignty and trust in His plans, regardless of how insurmountable challenges may appear. In the end, God’s righteousness prevails. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Daniel 8

Daniel’s vision of the ram and the he-goat 

Rise and Fall of the Little Horn (v. 9-14)

9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down.12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered. 13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

From the goat’s horn, a smaller horn grows and extends towards the south, east, and the Beautiful Land (Israel) . This horn becomes a symbol of blasphemy, challenging the heavenly host and the daily sacrifice’s order. An angelic conversation reveals this situation will last for 2,300 evenings and mornings. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

The little horn is not the same as the one in v.3; rather, it prophesied of Antiochus Epiphanes, 175 B.C. he took over and defiled the Temple by sacrificing a sow (an unclean animal) upon its altar. This man appears to have been a type of the Antichrist, “Who opposes and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thes. 2:4; cf. vv. 10-12). (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.923)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 8 offers a testament to God’s absolute control over history, even when evil seems momentarily victorious. The chapter prompts us to understand God’s sovereignty and trust in His plans, regardless of how insurmountable challenges may appear. In the end, God’s righteousness prevails. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Daniel 8

Daniel’s vision of the ram and the he-goat 

Daniel’s vision (v. 1-4)

In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.3 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.    4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.

Two years after his previous vision, Daniel has another. This time, he’s transported in spirit to the city of Susa. He sees a ram with two high horns, one higher than the other, representing the Medes and Persians’ kings. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

In a vision, Daniel saw events that would follow the Babylonian Empire. (1) The ram with the two horns represented the Medo-Persian Empire (v. 20). The little horn was Darius, and the big horn was Cyrus. (2) The he-goat in v.5 evidently represented the kingdom of Alexander the Great, the Grecian Empire (v. 21), which took the kingdom from Medo-Persians. The “notable horn” of v. 5 was Alexander the Great. When he was broken (v. 8) his four generals would take over the kingdom. (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.923)

The Goat’s Arrival (v. 5-8)

5 And as I was considering, behold, a he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

Then a goat with a notable horn between his eyes, symbolizing the king of Greece, appears from the west. The goat defeats the ram, signifying the Greeks’ defeat of the Medes and Persians. The goat grows very powerful, but at the height of its power, its large horn is broken off, forecasting the untimely death of the Greek king. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8) 

Rise and Fall of the Little Horn (v. 9-14)

9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down.12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered. 13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

From the goat’s horn, a smaller horn grows and extends towards the south, east, and the Beautiful Land (Israel) . This horn becomes a symbol of blasphemy, challenging the heavenly host and the daily sacrifice’s order. An angelic conversation reveals this situation will last for 2,300 evenings and mornings. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

The little horn is not the same as the one in v.3; rather, it prophesied of Antiochus Epiphanes, 175 B.C. he took over and defiled the Temple by sacrificing a sow (an unclean animal) upon its altar. This man appears to have been a type of the Antichrist, “Who opposes and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thes. 2:4; cf. vv. 10-12). (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.923)

Gabriel Interprets the Vision (v.15-27)

15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

The angel Gabriel interprets the vision for Daniel, explaining that it represents future kingdoms and leaders. Despite the disturbing vision, Gabriel reassures Daniel that the desolation will end. The chapter concludes with Daniel, exhausted and ill, yet keeping the vision a secret.

Chapter 8 of the book of Daniel presents a profound and detailed prophecy. In this chapter, Daniel recounts a vision he received about a ram and a goat, representing upcoming empires. These beasts foretell the rise and fall of future nations and set the scene for intense spiritual warfare. An angel interprets the visions for Daniel, revealing God’s sovereignty over history’s unfolding events. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Themes

Prophetic Visions

Spiritual Warfare

Interpretation of Dreams

Sovereignty of God

Hope Amidst Desolation

Topics

Visions and Prophecies

Symbolism in the Bible

Power and Dominion

Destruction and Restoration

Understanding God’s Plan

People

Daniel

Gabriel

The Ram (symbolizing the kings of Media and Persia)

The Goat (symbolizing the king of Greece)

Locations

Susa (Citadel)

Ulai Canal

Babylon (Implied) 

(Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 8 offers a testament to God’s absolute control over history, even when evil seems momentarily victorious. The chapter prompts us to understand God’s sovereignty and trust in His plans, regardless of how insurmountable challenges may appear. In the end, God’s righteousness prevails. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8)

Daniel 8

Daniel’s vision of the ram and the he-goat 

The Goat’s Arrival (v. 5-8)

5 And as I was considering, behold, a he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

Then a goat with a notable horn between his eyes, symbolizing the king of Greece, appears from the west. The goat defeats the ram, signifying the Greeks’ defeat of the Medes and Persians. The goat grows very powerful, but at the height of its power, its large horn is broken off, forecasting the untimely death of the Greek king. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 8) 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com