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 – 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 scarifice 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.

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 – 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.
Then 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 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 has 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 a key element in which much debate has been taken and many take to be part of a Tribulation prophecy. That would be taking Daniel chapter eight entirely out of context and thus twisting the Word of God to fit the desires and needs of God.
What needs to be understood that at the point in chapter eight this reference is made is during the time of the little horn that rose from one of the four horns that took the place of the goat’s horn. As was shown in the previous part of this study. That goat’s horn was Alexander the Great, as he is called. Upon his death four of his generals took equal parts of power and territory for the most part. From one of these generals rose the little horn. Who as was pointed out was Antiochus Epiphanes. Who in turn defiled the temple and placed the statue of Zeus within it as well as the sacrifice of pigs upon the altar of God. In Daniel a specific amount of time was listed which would identify how long the desolation was to occur.
Daniel 8:14 – The other replied, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the Temple will be made right again.”
“2,300 evenings and mornings.” The wording here is extremely important, and it is here that many twist the words of an angelic reply to meet their own needs, wishes and desires.
When you understand the ways of the temple then you understand how this wording was made in such a way. This is why it is so important to study history, and the very cultures involved within the Bible. The most important and the most key culture is Judaism. So understanding the ways of this people and their lifestyles, especially in their worship of God is of utmost import.
The words “evenings and mornings” correspond to the evening and morning sacrifices performed within the temple. Since the day begins when the sun sets as the Jewish people originally followed. Thus why evening is placed first. What this means in both the sacrificial sessions in one day. So in actuality it is 1150 days. Gleason L. Archer Jr. states this from “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary vol. 7” (1985):
“Consequently we are to understand v. 14 as predicting the rededication of the temple by Judas Maccabaeus on 25 Chislev (or 14 December) 164 B.C.; 1,150 days before that would point to a terminus a quo of three years, one month, and 25 days earlier or in Tishri 167 B.C. While the actual erection of the idolatrous altar in the temple took place in Chislev 167, or one month and 15 days later, there is no reason to suppose the Antiochus Epiphanes’ administration may not have abolished the offering of the tamid itself at that earlier date.”
To quote from John F. Walvoord when looking at both theories of it being 2300 days or 1150 days he says this:
“In looking at all the evidence it appears both interpretations have the potential to fit the historical record. At this point we simply don’t have sufficient historical data to know which is correct. But in either case this prophecy may safely be said to have been fulfilled and does not have any other eschatological significance in the sense of anticipating a future fulfillment. It is adequately explained in the history of the Medo-Persian and Greek Empires, and specially, in the activities of Antiochus Epiphanes.”
Simply this use of the 2300 or 1150 days is exclusive to the 160s B.C., and the use of this in any contemporary, modern or future context is a violation of the word of God and any that teach such a message should be turned away from and the true and actuate study of the Word of God should be sought after.

Daniel 8:3 – As I looked up, I saw a ram with two long horns standing beside the river. One of the horns was longer than the other, even though it had grown later than the other one. 4 The ram butted everything out of his way to the west, to the north, and to the south, and no one could stand against him or help his victims. He did as he pleased and became very great.
This imagery re-enforces the case for Medo-Persia as the next power to follow Babylon. For the Median Empire was first yet weak, while the Persian part came later took control of the Median part and was stronger. To quote John F. Walvoord once again:
“This prophecy is so accurate that it is embarrassing to the critic who does not want to accept a sixth-century Daniel who wrote genuine prophecy.”
Continuing:
“Not only are both the ram and the goat mentioned in the Old Testament as symbols of power, but Cumont has noted that different lands were assigned to the signs of the Zodiac according to astronomical geography. In this view. Persia is thought of as under the zodiacal sign of Aries, the “ram,” and Greece as sharing with Syria – the principal territory of the Seleucid monarchy – the zodiacal sign of Capricorn, the “goat.” The word “Capricorn” is derived from the Latin, “caper,” a goat and “cornu,” a horn. Taken as a whole. As Driver states. ‘The verse describes the irresistible advances of the Persian army, especially in the direction of Palestine, Asia Minor, and Egypt, with particular allusion to the conquest of Cyrus and Cambyses.’”
So any that state chapter eight has to do with the present era have not fully studied the Bible. They wish to cling to a fantasy that enables them to deny God and the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Those teaching that clearly state that we are in the end time we now live within. That those that do not conform to obedience of the teaching of the Bible are in actuality living in sin, and are not one with God. Even those that say they are with God, for they are showing themselves to be like the Pharisees. Living in their own version of the Bible that does not resemble Jesus Christ in any way shape or form.
Daniel 8:5 – While I was watching, suddenly a male goat appeared from the west, crossing the land so swiftly that he didn’t even touch the ground. This goat, which had one very large horn between its eyes, 6 headed toward the two-horned ram that I had seen standing beside the river, rushing at him in a rage. 7 The goat charged furiously at the ram and struck him, breaking off both his horns. Now the ram was helpless, and the goat knocked him down and trampled him. No one could rescue the ram from the goat’s power.
Again I quote from the commentary on the book of Daniel by John F. Walvoord:
“There is no discrepancy between history, which records a series of battles, and Daniel’s representation that the Medo-Persian Empire fell with one blow. Daniel was obviously describing the result rather than the details. That the prophecy is accurate, insofar as it goes, most expositors concede. Here again, the correspondence of the prophecy to later history is so accurate that liberal critics attempt to make it history instead of prophecy.”
It is clear from those who really study that the leopard with the four wing and four heads, and the goat are one and the same. This is made crystal clear in the next verse of chapter eight:
“The goat became very powerful. But at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off. In the large horn’s place grew four prominent horns pointing in the four directions of the earth.”
From one of the four generals rises a forerunner of the antichrist, Antiochus Epiphanes ruler of Syria from 175 B.C. to 164 B.C. He is the reason for the Maccabean rebellion. Now if you remember in part one of this series I layout the geographical boundaries of these prophecies. Now you will see this come into play at this time”
Daniel 8:9 – Then from one of the prominent horns came a small horn whose power grew very great. It extended toward the south and the east and toward the glorious land of Israel. 10 Its power reached to the heavens, where it attacked the heavenly army, throwing some of the heavenly beings and some of the stars to the ground and trampling them.
South of Syria is Egypt, east was Medo-Persia or Armenia. As for the heavenly army. It is well established within the Bible that even though we live within a physical temporal domain. We are instructed to pray to give strength to the heavenly armies which fight in the domain of heaven. There is a spiritual battle taking place that is beyond our ability to see now, however it is noted and mentioned in the Bible many times.
Ephesians 6:10 – A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Part of wearing the armor of God is truly studying the Bible and coming to a true understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Father: God.