The Times Of The Gentiles part seven

Daniel seven ,then,further develops with greater detail what was given in chapter two,especially in relationship to the fourth empire.In order to clearly understand the times of the Gentiles,the two chapters of Daniel two and seven must be compared before looking at the two other passages involved.Daniel two and seven described the four Gentile empires with an emphasis on the last which goes through several stages.In most of the features the two passages present the same thing.Both agree that there are to be four Gentile empires,one following the other,culminating with the destruction of the fourth empire by Christ and the setting up of the messianic kingdom.Both passages point out the diverseness of the fourth kingdom and the fact that it goes through several stages.It is in these stages that there is a slight difference between the two text.Daniel two shows three stages of the fourth empire, two of which are mentioned by Daniel seven.Daniel seven mentions four stages of the fourth empire,two of which are mentioned by Daniel two.The first empire is the Babylonian Empire which included the head of gold and the lion-like beast.Different aspects of this empire are depicted by Daniel 1:1-5:30 and 7:4.The second empire is the Medo-Persian Empire represented by the arms and breast of silver and the bear-like beast.Different aspects of this empire are described in Daniel 2:39a,5:31-6:28,7:5,8:1-7,and10:1-11:2.This is followed by the third empire,the Hellenistic Empire represented by the belly of brass and the leopard-like beast.It started out as a unit under Alexander the Great but split into four divisions at his death.This empire is subject to considerable revelation In Daniel 2:39b,7:6,8:7-27,and 11:3-35.we will pick up here next time God Bless.

The Times of The Gentiles part 6

Having received this summary interpretation , in verses 19-22 Daniel request further interpretation regarding the fourth beast.In making this request Daniel further describes what he saw regarding the fourth beast.In verse 19 it's diverseness is pointed out.It is important to note how the diverseness of the fourth empire is continually emphasized.For this diverseness Daniel seeks a meaning.He further wishes to know the meaning of the ten horns(verse20a)and finally the little horn (verses 20b-22).In requesting this Daniel gives further information regarding the activity of the little horn:he causes three of the ten horns to fall(verse 20b); he speaks great things(verse 20c);he wars against the saints and is allowed to prevail over them (verse21).But finally he is personally defeated by the coming of the Ancient of Days.Once the judgement is passed on the little horn by the Ancient of Days,he will be done away with,and the kingdom will pass over to the saints.Having made this request,in verses 23-26Daniel is given the interpretation of the fourth beast.As in Daniel two,the fourth empire is seen as going through several stages,though not always the same stages as found in chapter two..In verse23a, the fourth empire is seen in its united stage, and it is in this first stage that it's diverseness from the other previous three empires is seen.This is followed by the second stage,that of a one-world government ; for in verse 23b it states that the fourth empire will devour the whole earth.This will be followed by the ten kingdom stage(verse 24a) which,in turn,will be followed by the little horn,or the Antichrist stage (verses 24b-26).These verses state that he arises after the ten division stage (verse24b).While the fourth empire is diverse from the previous three, the little horn is diverse from the other ten (verse 24c).He eventually puts down three of these kings (verse 24d).Verse 25 again points out his speaking great things as seen here in his speaking against God and against the saints.He seeks to change the times and the seasons,and he will be allowed to rule for only a time,times,and a half a time,which,from other passages (Daniel 9:27, 12:7, Revelation 11:2,3, 12:6,14, 13:5) means 31/2 years.But finally his domination is destroyed (verse 26).With the destruction of the little horn,the messianic kingdom is set up for the saints (verse27).The"saints" in Daniel refer to righteous Israel, or the remnant of Israel ,and not to the church .The chapter ends with Daniel's conclusion regarding his reaction to what he has just seen(verse28).we will pick up here next time God Bless