September 16, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Daniel 7 - From this point on Daniel focuses on prophecies relating to coming events, some of which would happen before the New Testament time period, but many of which have not yet happened even in our lifetime.  Wiersbe sees three major sections to this chapter.  Verses 1-8 focuses on four major beasts representing the four kingdoms of Babylon, Media/Persia, Greece, and finally Rome.  Verses 9-14 concerns the heavenly court as God shows His control over earthly events.  Verses 15-28 speaks of the saints who will come to earth and receive and possess the kingdom which will be Christ's Kingdom on earth.

Daniel 8 - Daniel sees a prophecy of the Greek invasion and defeat of the Persian Empire.  Alexander the Great is undoubtedly is the "notable horn" of verse 5.  He will reign but after his death "four notable horns," verse 8, will rise up after him.  The "little horn," verse 9, is seen as the general, Antiochus Epiphanes, who invaded Judah and profaned the Temple and caused the daily sacrifices to cease.  Verses 15-26 shows that this man was a picture of the world ruler, Antichrist, who is yet to come.

Daniel 9 - Daniel reacts to these visions with heartfelt intercession for Israel.  He recognizes Israel's sins, verse 11, and God's righteousness, verse 14.  He pleads with God to turn His anger away from Jerusalem, verse 16.  God gives Daniel a vision of "seventy weeks" which are weeks of years, a sabbatical time-measure in the Jewish calendar.  Ultimately the scenes will include the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the Temple, the Messiah would come and die, verses 25,26, and the ultimate culmination of prophecy.