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