Prophecy

Blog for Podcast #34 (The Daniel Dilemma 3/3)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Thoughts, , , , , Leave a comment

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 thought himself as a living god that defiled the first 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 2nd 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 first 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

Special Note: The John F. Walvoord commentaries are the only commentaries I would recommend for anyone to read.

This said, I would warn those using it that it has one major flaw. The fact that he was Baptist and was of the group that believes in faith alone, grace alone, once saved always saved mentality.

Why recommend it at all then? Because it gives multiple views and is not limited to him being Baptist even though some text within it you can see that influence.

When weeding this out. Those using it get an overall image of prophecy. Prophecy that is now and already has been fulfilled.

Therefore, take it with a grain of salt and seek to discern the Truth that can be seen when using these commentaries as a aid to understanding the Word of God.

Blog for Podcast #33 (The Daniel Dilemma 2/3)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, Dreams, General, government, Guide, Life, , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

Welcome to another Bible study podcast, and 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.

Today we continue into our study of the book of Daniel and the dilemma it has caused throughout the centuries. Today we will look to identify the little horn of Daniel chapter 8.

Discussion

Daniel 8:3-4 – 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 Dr. 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 teachings 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 8:5-7 – 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 8:9-10 – 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 – 20 – 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. As well as accepting the prophecies given to Daniel in the 600s and 500s B.C.

Now that we have established who the little horn is in chapter eight of the book of Daniel. As well as fortified that Alexzander the Great is the leopard and goat. We will now look at the controversy of the 2300 days. 

The 2300 days 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 those reading, thus causing false teachings.

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 discussed earlier in 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 the 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 is 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 Dr. 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.

NOTE: in the first part of this series and again this week I made mention to a statue of Zeus being placed in the Holy of Holies.

In Revelation chapter 2. The Glorified Jesus Christ sent a letter to Pergamum. This city was a religious center of this part of the world at the time this letter was written in the 90s A.D.

The focal point of this religious center was a temple to Zeus in which a statue showed Zeus seating in a throne. Verse 13 says this:

“I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”

The implication that Antiochus Epiphanes placed a statue of Zeus within the temple when taken in context with the above verse shows that Zeus is Satan, and shows just how the temple was desecrated. Ponder upon this as we end this week’s study in to the book of Daniel.

God Bless

Special Note: The John F. Walvoord commentaries are the only commentaries I would recommend for anyone to read.

This said, I would warn those using it that it has one major flaw. The fact that he was Baptist and was of the group that believes in faith alone, grace alone, once saved always saved mentality.

Why recommend it at all then? Because it gives multiple views and is not limited to him being Baptist even though some text within it you can see that influence.

When weeding this out. Those using it get an overall image of prophecy. Prophecy that is now and already has been fulfilled.

Therefore, take it with a grain of salt and seek to discern the Truth that can be seen when using these commentaries as a aid to understanding the Word of God.

Blog for Podcast #32 (The Daniel Dilemma 1/3)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

Welcome again to another broadcast. This is once again 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.

Today we begin a look into the book of Daniel. This was originally published on my blog site in 2016, and once again contains references to the John Walvoord Prophecy Commentaries, which I once again recommend.

Discussion

The main challenge that the book of Daniel encountered. Came from those that believed the book was not first written by Daniel and in turn was not written in 540 to 530 B.C. Many imply the book was written in the 200 B.C. time frame.

Why is this so important? Why must we accept and understand that the Book of Daniel was written by Daniel and was complete before his death which is stated to have occurred in 530 B.C.?

This is the dilemma.

First off you need to understand that this book was not just written for the Jewish people as all the other book of the Old Testament (OT) were originally written for. This book was also written for the Gentiles and signaled the beginning of the rule of the Gentile nations over the world. This is seen in the way Daniel wrote this book. The beginning and the end of the book is written in Hebrew. As all other books of the OT were written, with the exception of Ezra. The middle of the book though is written in Aramaic (2:4 – 7:28). This is the common tongue at the time throughout the Middle East. It also stayed this way well into the time of the Roman Empire. It is still used in some form by many Middle Eastern Christian Churches. This also foreshadows the fact that the entire book, we now call the Bible, would come to be, and designed for all of humanity. That were and are willing to learn and listen to what is within it.

These parts of the Book of Daniel that were written in Aramaic deal specifically with Gentile nations within the Middle East. For the focal point is the nation of Israel, so it deals only with those nations that will have an effect upon it, which included Greece and the Roman Empire. This is something that really needs to be understood. Many in today’s Christian culture reject in some part the Judaism of the OT. They feel that only Christianity is the focal point of the Bible. This is the furthest thing from the truth.

Abraham is the father of the Jewish and as well as the Islamic nations. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to a descendant of David. Both Joseph and Mary have a direct lineage to David, the first king of the united tribes of Israel. Christianity came from Jesus Christ who was raised upon the books of the OT. At the age of twelve His knowledge of these books, which included Daniel. Far exceeded the understanding of the Tanakh by the Pharisees and Sadducees at that time and was noted as such in Luke 2:46-47. So Christianity is the “grandchild” of Abraham. And the Bible teaches that we must honor our fathers and mothers, even to the point of the source of our faith. So any that deny Israel, and the Jewish people, deny God.

This non-focus on Israel as the focal-point has led to many misinterpretations of this book by those that have not taken the time to truly study the Bible and history itself. This is why it is extremely important to study the Bible. Not just read it. As is the case of the book of Daniel, knowing history is extremely important as well. For within the book of Daniel is facts related to not only Israel, but Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire. Without knowledge of this history of these nations, misunderstanding the book of Daniel comes into play and so causes the rise of false teachings and teachers, which is predicted by Jesus Christ in the Olivet discourse.

First we need to understand the four Gentile world dominant kingdoms. As mentioned before these are Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. The last of these is the most complicated to understand, but when taken in context with the statute of four layers you come to a better understanding, and once again see that Israel is the focal point as well.

Babylon is the first major Empire of any true note that affected the Middle Eastern area. Many times this empire changed hands, but the one that dealt with Israel was the Assyrian rule which began in 911 B.C. and ended during the book of Daniel in 619 B.C. This version of the empire at its apex, which is approximately 671 B.C. reached from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean and down into Egypt itself. The boarder cities were Susa, Ecbatana, Musasir, Tushpa, Kanish, Tarsus, and Dumah and reached down to Jeb in Egypt. To give you a more up to date imagery, the eastern boarder would conform, for the most part, to the border between Iraq and Iran. Its northern border went from Van, Turkey to the Lake Tuz just south, southeast of Ankara. The western border starts at the north at this lake down to between Silifke and Adana, along the entire eastern coast of the Mediterranean. It then extended into Egypt just west of Al Hammam down south to Mut and then met the Red Sea near Halaib. Its southern border extended from the Gulf of Aqaba in a near straight line to the Persian Gulf.

Why have I went into so much detail describing this area? Is due to the fact that this area is all the land mass that the book of Daniel deals with. Even though Greece and Rome are not in this area today. At one point during their conquests they held domain over this area, which is why they are a part of the prophecies within the book of Daniel. The land mass within these prophecies never changes. However the effects to each of these empires especially the last does constitute the overall lands, and cultures they have affected, due to their existence within the Gentile world. So to make this clear. The prophecies within the book of Daniel deal exclusively within the lands of the Middle East, that deal with the original boarders of the Babylonian/Assyrian Empire. In today’s terms that means Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait and parts of Saudi Arabia and Turkey. So when a direction is mentioned within the prophecies it conforms to an area within these boundaries. In the book of Revelation this area also conforms to the boundaries of the city of New Jerusalem.

In the prophecy of the statue. Four nations are given reference to, but not truly identified. The head however, is shown to be Babylon. Yet the others, even though described, are not given identity. This changes in chapter seven. Here the nations are given identification for those that have the eyes to see and the ears to hear.

So let us start to explore this part of the book of Daniel and see if we can start to work our way through the dilemma this book has caused throughout the centuries. So we shall look at the four kingdoms that are first shown in the Statue dream of Daniel chapter two.

Daniel 7:4 – The first beast was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And it was given a human mind.

At the time of this prophecy the royal palace had statues of winged lions at its gate, which was one of the factors in agreement that this is a representation of at the least Nebuchadnezzar and the most an imagery of Babylon itself. To quote the commentary by John F. Walvoord:

“In spite of the power indicated in this symbolism, Daniel saw the beast become man-like. This is most commonly interpreted as the symbolic representation of Nebuchadnezzar’s experience in chapter 4 when he was humbled before God and made to realize that, even though he was a great ruler, he was only a man. His lion-like character, or royal power, was his only at God’s pleasure. The symbolism is accurate and corresponds to the historical facts.”

So in all scholarly studies of this verse. It is agreed that this is an image of Babylon and the first empire of the Gentiles. Then the next verse should describe the next empire in the chain.

Daniel 7:5 – Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, “Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!”

The imagery suggested by this verse shows a strong yet less refined empire that has one side stronger than the other. The Persian side being stronger than the Median part which the former had taken over from the latter before its move against other kingdoms. This is shown in the imagery of defeating and devouring three kingdoms, thus the three ribs. That being Lydia, Babylon and Egypt. The bear is also known to be a more ferocious animal than other animals in the animal kingdom as seen within biblical times.

Daniel 7:6 – Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird’s wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast.

Starting with the image of a leopard. It is an imagery within the Bible of something not as grand as the lion, but is known for its swiftness. This is amplified by the four wings upon its back. The four heads indicate a division into four parts but of equal power and control. The conquest of Alexander was extremely swift. Upon his death at thirty-two the Greek Empire was given to his four top generals and their power was divided equally.

Daniel 7:7-8 – Then in my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast—terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns. 8 As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.

One of the main tendencies of the Roman Empire was to remove the cultural from those it dominate. This was accomplished through death, destruction and an insistence of following Roman law. In some areas they tried different tactics, but in the end it resulted in their mainstay as mentioned above. This is clearly seen in 70 A.D. when the last temple was destroyed and the Israeli nation scattered throughout the Roman Empire and then the world.

A great debate still continues into the description as to who or what the little horn is that replaces three of the ten horns. Has it happened or will it happen? At this time it is still open for debate. What is made clear is that it is not the little horn of chapter eight.

That little horn has been identified as Antiochus Epiphanes. He is called this due to his representation of the little horn still to come, that being the antichrist. What is known for sure is that Antiochus IV Epiphanes did abolish the worship of God by the Jewish people and he did defile the temple in the 160s B.C. by establishing the worship of Zeus within the Temple and the sacrifice of pigs upon the alter. Antiochus Epiphanes is described by many to be an image of the antichrist that is yet to come during the time of the Tribulation.

In recent times another foreshadowing of the coming antichrist appeared. That being the Obama presidency of the United States. This image of the little horn came to power and brought devastation to this Christian nation, by making it possible to fulfill these words of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 24:10-12 – And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

Again a fore image of the true antichrist yet to appear.

As you ponder what you just heard. We will end this week’s study of the Daniel dilemma.

God Bless

Special Note: The John F. Walvoord commentaries are the only commentaries I would recommend for anyone to read.

This said, I would warn those using it that it has one major flaw. The fact that he was Baptist and was of the group that believes in faith alone, grace alone, once saved always saved mentality.

Why recommend it at all then? Because it gives multiple views and is not limited to him being Baptist even though some text within it you can see that influence.

When weeding this out. Those using it get an overall image of prophecy. Prophecy that is now and already has been fulfilled.

Therefore, take it with a grain of salt and seek to discern the Truth that can be seen when using these commentaries as a aid to understanding the Word of God.

Blog for Podcast #174 ( The difference between the Jewish people and Christian as we come to the soon return of Christ)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

What many don’t understand these days is there are two different prophecies being pursued and fulfilled as we approach the soon return of Jesus Christ. The one many confuse for themselves, that is Christianity, is truthfully referring to the Jewish nation. This becomes clear if people look at the full context being seen within certain prophecies.

People need to sit back and think. They need to remember God made a promise to Abraham. God never breaks a promise. That is why people need to think when they read certain things from the Bible like what is to follow:

Romans 10:19-11:10 NKJV – But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: “I WILL PROVOKE YOU TO JEALOUSY BY THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION, I WILL MOVE YOU TO ANGER BY A FOOLISH NATION.” But Isaiah is very bold and says: “I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME; I WAS MADE MANIFEST TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ASK FOR ME.” But to Israel he says: “ALL DAY LONG I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS TO A DISOBEDIENT AND CONTRARY PEOPLE.” I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “LORD, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS AND TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY SEEK MY LIFE”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I HAVE RESERVED FOR MYSELF SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written: “GOD HAS GIVEN THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SEE AND EARS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HEAR, TO THIS VERY DAY.” And David says: “LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP, A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RECOMPENSE TO THEM. LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED, SO THAT THEY DO NOT SEE, AND BOW DOWN THEIR BACK ALWAYS.”

One of several key statements is made in these verses, that being:

“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.”

They have purposely been blinded to the Truth. This does not mean they have been cut off. Any who says otherwise is a false teacher and should be shunned. God promises Abrahm something special for the people of Israel and He will allow them to fulfill it.

With this in mind. When it comes time to reading future events given to us in the Word of God. We must look at them from this perspective.

There are two things that need to be understood when looking at prophecy given in the Bible. Frist, where does Christianity end on the face of the earth during the tribulation. Second, where does the Jewish people’s greatest trails begin. When people come to understand these points, they awaken to the Truth found within the Bible when it come to the difference between these two groups. What will surprise most is that the answer to this riddle is basically the exact same time.

To be a born-again Christian Jesus Christ says this:

John 3:3-7 NKJV – Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

To be born-again requires after accepting that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that only through Him can you enter the kingdom of heaven.  First, you must be water baptized in His name. Second, you must be filled with the Holy Spirit.

If there is no Holy Spirit present none can become Christian. Yet, what do we learn from 2 Thessalonians.

 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 NKJV – And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

It is the presence of the Holy Spirit on earth that now restrains the antichrist from being fully revealed. Therefore, once the Holy Ghost is removed is when all will know who the antichrist is which will be witnessed by the desolation of the third and last temple. When does this occur? The simple answer is given in the book of Daniel:

Daniel 9:27 NKJV – Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”

This leads us to these verses spoken by Jesus Christ:

Matthew 24:15-22 NKJV – “Therefore when you see the ‘ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

Therefore, those being warned here are not Christians, but Jewish people. This is seen in how He spoke these words and the fact that the antichrist is now fully revealed. Since the antichrist is revealed that means the Holy Spirit has been removed. Any who had been filled with the Holy Ghost had been removed due to His presence within them.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV – Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Knowing these things brings into balance these verses found in the book of Revelation:

Revelation 7:1-14 NKJV – After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Before the Holy Spirit is removed from the face of the earth. The 144,000 are sealed and protected from harm by God. These are only Jewish people as shown in these verses that were just read. Then we see the uncountable. The billions that are from every nation and race standing in white before God. These are the last of the temples of the Holy Ghost removed from the face of the earth. The 144,000 stays upon the earth and will witness what is to befall their fellow Israelites. The ones that were warned to flee from Jerusalem when the antichrist is revealed.

Consequently, it is very clear that there are two different prophecies being followed and fulfilled. Each with a purpose. Each with a definitive goal in mind. The salvation of both the Jews and the gentiles.

Why the Jewish nation has to endure through the harshness that is to follow once the antichrist is fully revealed is all due to their rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

One of the most important aspects that occurred in Jesus Christ’s ministry was the Sermon on the Mount. Here he put forth several of His principles and commands, which a majority rejected outright. It is soon after this point that He started teaching parables. It is the fact that He started teaching in parables that shows that Christ recognizes the fulfillment of prophecy of His rejection by the children of Israel. Which is why they must suffer through nearly the entire tribulation.

It must also be noted the wording of what will become the rapture of the Jewish people. So, let us look to these verses:

Daniel 12:1-3 NKJV – “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.

“And at that time your people shall be delivered.”

This is why Israel must endure the tribulation. For it will cause them to finally accept the will of God and that the Messiah was and is Jesus of Nazareth.

Therefore, understand these things. There are two groups of events proceeding side by side at this very moment. One is for the gentiles, which have the Christians within them. The other is for Israel to fulfill the promise made to Abraham.

We are now witnessing events that show we are in the last days before the return of Jesus Christ. His first appearance will not be on the face of this earth but in the sky above and will be accompanied by the blast of a trumpet two times. On the second blast millions, not billions will disappear from the face of the earth. Just so you understand the sorrow of this last statement is that there are over 2.5 billion people that profess to being “Christian.” However, only millions will vanish in the twinkling of an eye. What will follow is the mandatory order to take the mark of the beast. This will take the form of a chip implanted in the hand and/or a tattoo. There are even indications that retinal scans may be introduced with something on or in the forehead. It is here that the others that are of the 2.5 billion still left upon this planet must decide. The mark or death. Then at the midpoint of the tribulation the Holy Spirit will be removed including those that are filled with the Holy Ghost. These will be in the billions.

It is at this point that the tribes of Israel will encounter their final trials to redeem themselves in the eyes of God. As witnessed in the wording of the book of Daniel. As the last part of the last three and half years near their end they will receive their rapture as promised to them in the book of Daniel.

It is time to decide your own fates. Time is running out. Do you wish to be in the millions or the billions or the damned? It is all up to you. Decide now. Downsize now and give it to the poor and the needy.

God Bless

483

Christian, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , Leave a comment

Did you know that Daniel was given a prophecy that was not only about the rebuilding of Jerusalem, but the crucifixion?
Well there is in chapter nine of the book in his name. With this prophecy it was established that when the city itself was allow to be rebuilt under the order of Artaxerxes the king of Medo-Persian empire, which occurred over two hundred years after the time of Daniel.
This is one of the prophecies that tell there will be a Messiah and He will be killed, and that is what happened. To us it is now history, which is exactly what the Bible is, a history book of this earth and its relationship with and to God and God to this planet.
People need to start and study and I mean fully study history once again. For how years were managed within ancient cultures to who was who and when things took place in history. For if they did they would soon learn that Jesus is real, His Father is real and we are all answerable to our behavior and actions due to these facts. For they are facts not fiction as those that wish to live in sin wish it to be.
They write off God as a fantasy to legitimize their sins, when all they are doing is cutting themselves off from an eternity of splendor and wonder

Biblical Prophecy may not be what you have been told

Christian, General, Guide, Life, politics, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , Leave a comment

First off let’s look at the prophecy of the statue in Daniel 2. In particular the legs and feet.
Daniel 2: 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
Now one of the first things we need to consider in this prophecy is this: “: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things”
For starters, where does ”things” come from? For it is not in the original Aramaic. It was a word added. So it should read “subdueth all”
Now officially Rome the original empire never accomplished this goal. So you need to look at the imagery given to us in the dream. Rome is the two legs and includes the feet. Even though the feet are broken apart and are iron mixed with clay it is still the “fourth empire.” Now when Rome turned into a Christian nation and soon after fell apart this fits the imagery of the feet, and since the fall of the original Roman empire these nations that came from the original Rome have accomplished this prophecy for every nation in the world has been broken to pieces and subdued that existed when the prophecy was first given to us when Daniel explained the prophecy to Nebuchadnezzar.
In essence every nation that now stands today was formed over other nations that were before us and literally encompasses the entire globe. Simply all has been broken and subdued. So we are the inhabitants of the fourth empire. This is made even more clear as you continue reading the next three verses of Daniel:
41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Now here is another issue. The word “kingdom” in the Aramaic it is the word “malkum” but most people do not point to this word they choose another word instead that truly means “kingdom” they are forcing their will to God’s word.
“Malkum” is best translated as “realm” which can mean “region.”
In Agenda 21 of the United Nations on November 26, 2011 the world was divided into 10 regions. Which could be what the “ten toes” could represent. Now why would I even bother to mention this?
First there are three regions that are near the central focal point of all of Daniel’s prophecies, Israel. In Revelation thirteen the beast when it is referring to the creature as a nation has three animal references. The leopard, the bear and the lion. The Greek empire, the Medo-Persian Empire, and the Babylonian empire. All three of these Empires have a main focal point that is within a triangle that starts at the pyramids in Egypt to Ankara, Turkey to Tehran, Iran.
Within this area a certain group has been growing like a leopard, they have the cunning and the ferocity of the bear and as for the lion. They profess to be working under the pretense of working for God. They mouth the words and act as if they are “holy”, but the bear like behavior shows them for who they really are. Their goals would encompass three of the ten world regions, North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia which includes Afghanistan and India. When they succeed they will have removed these three regions making a new one.
Now let’s look more closely at verses forty-two and three. The mixing of the clay and iron is to show that all the nations and cultures will be together yet divided. A prime example of this is the Muslim communities that are literally all over the world. These areas are run under Shiria Law. As an example of this a few year back a U.S. military man entered unknowingly into one of these areas within London, England. He was drinking a beer which is forbidden and they proceeded to kill him. As the Muslims have left in their mass migration out of the middle-east under the guises of refugees they have forced people out of their homes and there is even rumors that there have been forced marriages and that people in these groups have threatened to overrun the current cultures through breeding. This fixes itself strongly to the forty-third verse.
Am I saying to hate these people? No, but am I saying that we shall not be able to get rid of them as many think we can. Too much is happening about us that is pointing more and more toward fulfilled prophecies. Will someone arise from ISIS that wishes to make peace with the world? I am leaning strongly toward yes at this time. Is the apostate church growing and are our children being corrupted? Again I say yes.
Now an apostate church is a church that claims to be “Christian” but is intent on allowing everyone and everything into their walls. Stating it is ok to sin because God loves you as you are. Just for the record this is a lie, per the Bible. Yes you can come to the Lord in sin, but you must be willing to remove the sin and no longer partake of it, but this is not what is being taught.
So as I see it. The nation that is the beast of Revelation thirteen is on the rise and fits it perfectly prophetically. The apostate church is in existence and growing. Any that tries to speak these truths is labeled a bigot, a racist and haters. Yet in reality it is those saying these words that are in reality the bigots, the racist and the haters.
Please ponder these words and think upon them. Never in history has things fit more closely to prophecy then the events that are now taking place, and what I fear most is that those in power already know this to be true.