Intro

Welcome to another podcast. As we conclude our Bible study of the book of Daniel. I am Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. Also, you do not need to download podbean if you wish to listen. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora and PlayerFM.

Discussion

What many do not understand. Is that even though the Roman Empire itself ceased to exist in 476 A.D. it influence and effect is still present and is still seen within the dream of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. So let’s look at the interpretation by Daniel to the king:

Daniel 2:40-43 – Following that kingdom, there will be a fourth one, as strong as iron. That kingdom will smash and crush all previous empires, just as iron smashes and crushes everything it strikes. 41 The feet and toes you saw were a combination of iron and baked clay, showing that this kingdom will be divided. Like iron mixed with clay, it will have some of the strength of iron. 42 But while some parts of it will be as strong as iron, other parts will be as weak as clay. 43 This mixture of iron and clay also shows that these kingdoms will try to strengthen themselves by forming alliances with each other through intermarriage. But they will not hold together, just as iron and clay do not mix.

The first imagery that needs to be understood is the fact that there are two legs of iron. Roman itself divided into two parts. One based in Rome the other in Constantinople. This causes this prophecy to be fulfilled and accurate. Then we need to look into the further description.

Next as we go on we see that the feet and the ten toes are a mixture of clay and iron. This mere implication speaks of further division within the two separate parts of what was once one empire. That parts of this even more fractured group are stronger than other parts, yet still they work together in some form. This is an accurate description of this very world we now live within. Especially from those on the left that seek to once again establish one world government under the control of the few in power. Again I quote from Dr. John F. Walvoord:

“What Daniel implied is simply that the material that forms the feet portion of the image is not all one kind but is composed of iron and pottery, which do not adhere well to one another. This is what Daniel himself brought out…………….. A clear interpretation of the meaning of iron and clay, apart from the inherent weakness, is not given except as indicated in verse 43. Here the statement is made that the two materials will not hold together even though ‘they will mix with one another in marriage.’ This reference to marriage has given rise to several interpretations, from actual intermarriage among people in the fourth kingdom to the mixing of diverse peoples in the empire. Some also feel this is a reference to the attempted political ‘marriage’ between imperialism and democracy.”

Another name of this political marriage is called Socialism, just for the record.

Another point of note is that the western empire, that being which was controlled by Rome is Europe and the Eastern controlled by Constantinople is now the Middle East. Between 2009 and 2017 there had been a huge influx of those from the Eastern side moving into the Western side. This has seen a rise in tensions and conflicts between the two cultures. Like for example the large rape parties by those from the east that attacked several women from the west in Germany on New Year’s Eve 2016. This example clearly shows the imagery represented in this prophecy and shows that it is still being fulfilled at this very time.

So as you can see we are in the fourth kingdom as you read this. This is also confirmed when you look at the calendar, for it is based upon a calendar made by a Roman emperor and so we are still under the influence of its affect in the world, which confirms and conforms to the dream of Nebuchadnezzar.

The book of Daniel as I related in part one of this series was written approximately around 530 B.C. which is close to 2555 years ago. Some of the visions shown actually came true during Daniel’s lifetime as was recorded within the book of Daniel itself upon the fall of the Babylonian Empire to the Medo-Persian Empire in 619 B.C.

Why this book is so important to Judaism and Christianity is that it first shows that prophecies that come from God are fulfilled. It shows that God’s Word is accurate and true. So none can question it if they translate it correctly. This is why when you look to Galatians 1 it is extremely important to heed this warning.

Galatians 1:6-9 – I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.

In the perfect world we would be reading the Word of God in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. In a perfect world the Latin version of the word of God would not have been perverted and changed so badly that the scholars throughout the centuries would turn to the Greek version for its purity to the original translations of the Word of God.

But back on topic:

The book of Daniel even though prophecy in 530 B.C. become history when first Medo-Persia conquered Babylon. It became history when Alexander the Greek swooped through Medo-Persia and then died at thirty-two. Leaving his conquest to be broken up between four of his generals.

It became history upon the rise of Antiochus Epiphanies to come into power and adopted not only the name “Antiochus” after his father who was the third of that name, but also “Epiphanies” meaning “manifest god.” The telling of his story is covered as a prophecy in chapter 8 and chapter 11 of the book of Daniel.

Now it is history. Yes there are parts of the book of Daniel that are not yet fulfilled and that in itself should serve as a warning. This book above all other books within the Bible shows that the Word of God was true, is true and so will be true. The fact that we can look back into history and say yes there was a Nebuchadnezzar, yes there was a Daniel known as Belteshazzar. That there was a man that though himself as a living god that defiled the second temple in the 160s B.C.

Yet when this last was first mentioned he would not be alive for almost another four hundred years. Shows that the Bible is true and accurate. Not only as a historical document, but as the word of God. So when we are told to study the Bible. To come to know the Word of God we are doing so to not only know what was, and what is, but what will be. And we will know that God is real. That His Son is real, and that His sacrifice upon the cross was for our salvation. So when what was prophesied by Daniel, by Isaiah, by Ezekiel and by Jesus Christ Himself will be. For even now we live within the last days of this world as we now know it. For Israel is once again a nation and His soon return was foretold to be preceded by Israel’s return to this status.

Beginning with Daniel Chapter 11 verse 36 we enter into the end time prophecies. It is important to note that these verses are reserved for the Jewish and Christians. This is shown by the fact that beginning with chapter 8 we return to the Hebrew and leave the Aramaic behind. Showing that these chapters were designed for those that profess to be the children of God.

So with verse 36 you see that antichrist will describe himself as the greatest being to exist and will exalt himself as even greater than God Himself.

The end of chapter 11 of Daniel ends with the last battle at the end of the age of the Gentiles. However it does not reach its full conclusion until chapter 12 verse 3.

What is important to note is verse 2 of chapter 12:

“Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.”

Here is shown the third rapture. This one exclusive to the nation of Israel, for there will be no Christians left during the last half of the tribulation. This rapture will include the division of those that were loyal to God and those that were not in the tribes of Israel and is not the Great White Throne Judgement. For note it says “many” and “some.” The first rapture will be to those promised not to suffer in the tribulation and the dead that were loyal Christians (1 Thessalonians 1:10). The 2^nd rapture will be the white robed that are uncountable. However, it is made clear that these will have suffered and be martyred during first part of the tribulation and will include the lukewarm that return to Christ as well as those that see and hear the truth and welcome their beheadings, which will be required for them to stand before the Throne of God purified (Revelation 7:9-14). This second rapture will result in the removal of the Holy Spirit from the world, which is restraining the antichrist from fully revealing himself.

In verse 4 we are given signs of what to look for to know that we are in the end time:

“But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

I will end this study with Daniel 12:9-10

“But he said, ‘Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.’”

So in Summary:

In part one of this series. We established that the book of Daniel was written in his lifetime. We also showed that it was meant for Judaism and Christianity alike. We also established that it deals within the lands of the Middle East exclusively. However since the Greeks and Romans conquered these lands they were and are involved to this day.

In part two of this series. We identified the little horn of chapter 8 of the book of Daniel. As well as reinforce the identity of the four gentile nations involved in Daniels interpretations of the dreams. We also went into how the 2300 days were fulfilled from the time that Antiochus Epiphanes ended the sacrifices within the second temple and then deviled it. Until Judas Maccabaeus rededicated the temple.

Today, we concluded this what can be called an introductory study into the book of Daniel. By showing that the Roman Empire is the forth gentile nation to have rule over the world and its influence is still in effect at this very time. As well that all evidence shows that we are truly in the last days prophesied by Jesus Christ just two days before His crucifixion upon the cross. In His teachings to the disciples in the Olivet Discourse.

We also showed that we must get ourselves right with God. We must seek to live our lived per the teachings of the Bible. And not to live in or of the world. For only those that are right with the Lord will be included in the first rapture promised in 1 Thessalonians 1:10:

“And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.”

So if you wish to fully escape the tribulation. Get right with God. And turn away from the world and the sins it offers. Live a righteous life with God always upon our minds. First and foremost in everything we do.

God Bless