The Word With Steve - Daniel Class: Recent Episodes
Steve Schmutzer
The first half of the book of Daniel is an inspiring character study. Daniel was chosen by God to be tested by many profound trials, and to live a life of service and humility in a foreign land. The second half of Daniel is the foundation of much of Biblical prophecy, and it presents the evident themes of the antichrist, the Tribulation, the end of the world, and the Millenial Kingdom. Some not-so-evident prophetic themes may also be present in the book of Daniel, including the Nephilim, and even UFOs. My goal with each lesson in this in-depth study of Daniel is to forthrightly present what I believe the Scriptures are trying to tell us. My website has more information about my ministry and other teaching materials as well. http://thewordwithsteve.com
Daniel 10:13-14 - (NOTE: This class gives a thorough review of vss. 13-14 but focuses primarily on vss. 15-19.) In this lesson, we look more deeply at the interaction between Daniel and this angel who is visiting with him. Daniel is quite physically overcome by this encounter, but his responses and words are not to be misconstrued as worship of this angel. He has a genuine fear instead, and there are points to be made here concerning a right relationship with God and the true nature of the Gospel we are called to adhere to. The angel strengthens Daniel and prepares Daniel for the great revelation he is about to learn.
Daniel 10:12-13 - (NOTE: The lesson the week prior did not get recorded due to technical issues. That prior lesson focused on vss. 12-13 and we learned six ways in which Daniel's prayer life was an example to all of us. It was Enduring, Effective, Elementary, Engaged, Established, and Esteemed.) With that review covered, we now learn in this lesson that we live primarily in a spiritual world, and the things we perceive going on around us often stem from spiritual battles and struggles in unseen places. As our end times dynamics take greater definition, we can expect to see hard times unfold which find their origin in the spiritual battles that have been ongoing since ancient times.
Daniel 9:27 - In this final lesson on Daniel 9:27, consideration is given to this "wing of the temple" and what this phrase seems to be stating. Further, is the "abomination which causes desolation" - which Jesus also spoke of in Matt. 24:15 - one and the same event with the image of the beast that the False Prophet sets up in Rev.13:14-15? Similarities and differences between the two passages are explored.
Daniel 9:27 - The phrase "in the middle of the week" is full of meaning. This lesson focuses on several closely-related events that happen at this midpoint of The Tribulation, including: the breaking of the temple terms of the covenant with Israel, the killing of the Two Witnesses, and the destruction of the false global religious system. It's all part of the antichrist's plan to control the planet's population and demand worship of himself.
Daniel 9:27 - In continued support for the case that this final future false one-world religious system will have its roots in Roman Catholicism, this lesson focuses on unpacking the Letter to the Church at Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). As Bill Salus has noted, this passage presents strong suggestions that the Catholic church will remain on earth after the Rapture, and that it will endure a violent and sudden destruction by the antichrist as Rev. Ch. 17 spells out.
Daniel 9:27 - The activities and positions of the Catholic Church today conform well with what the Bible appears to suggest the character of the final false global religious system will be. This lesson explores how the modern Catholic Church is seeking to unify all religions, is actively searching for extra-terrestrial life, and is pushing the climate change agenda. At their core, these activities deny the One True God and seek to hold an entire world captive to secularist conformity.
Daniel 9:27 - The angel tells John in Rev. Ch. 17 "a mind with wisdom" is needed to understand the meaning of "the Great Prostitute," a symbolic picture of this future false one-world religion. A careful study of the history of the Roman Empire through its various phases: its western and eastern leg, the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, and finally the Roman Catholic Church itself, conforms well to the descriptions Rev. Ch. 17 provides. Of particular note, the inquisitions of the Roman Catholic Church uniquely fit the explanations which the angel provides to John.
Daniel 9:27 - The intolerant and deceptive global religious system which emerges in the wake of the Rapture is pictured in graphic symbolism in Rev. Ch. 17. The main thrust of this chapter explains the destruction of this religious system at the halfway point of the Tribulation, but this passage also details its ancient occultic roots, its lavish resources, its physical headquarters, and its long history of killing the saints of God. All things considered, the argument that emerges as most viable is this final world religion will be a variant of the Roman Catholic Church.
Daniel 9:27 - (NOTE: A technical issue cut the recording of this class short, but here are the details of that lesson.) A false global religious system will emerge in the wake of the Rapture, and its message will not conform to the truth of God's Word. It will provide a deceptive explanation for the removal of the church, and this message will appeal to many who have already refused the Gospel. This "great deception" will lean heavily on Satan's "miraculous signs and lying wonders." Our world is already being conditioned to embrace a future dynamic where fallen angels will return to earth to blend themselves with the affairs of humanity. Occultic and new age leaders right now are receiving instructions and are preparing to promote an "alternative explanation" for the sudden disappearance of millions of people.
Daniel 9:27 - The personification of Death and Hades in Rev. 6:7-8 and Isaiah 28:14-19 appear to be two different passages which reference the same issues of a future point in time. The conclusion is Death and Hades are also parties to the covenant the antichrist will confirm with Israel. Death and Hades, as functional extensions of a false global religious system, comprise this "overflowing scourge" - a genocidal campaign against all who do not conform to it. This is what Israel wants to be insulated from as she will seek her own temple rituals.
Daniel 9:27 - The second element of Israel's FOCUS as she negotiates the terms of this future covenant with the antichrist will be her INSTITUTION. Simply put, Israel will want to reinstate temple worship and the sacrificial system. The genocidal campaign of Death and Hades will be in full swing, and Israel will want protection and exemption from the horrors of this future time. Isaiah 28:14-19 seems to underscore this very fact, and Bill Salus' remarkable work is noted as this OT passage is explored to support this premise.
Daniel 9:27 - The FOCUS Israel has within the terms of the covenant the antichrist confirms appears to be twofold. First, Israel wants no part of certain traumatic events taking place at that time. This INSULATION Israel will seek is better understood by considering the implications of the 5th Seal Judgment and the post-Rapture - but pre-Tribulation - conditions that will exist in the world.
Daniel 9:27 - Three possible reasons for future Israel to sit at the table with the antichrist and strike a deal might be described as FEAR, FORCE, and FOCUS. In previous lessons, the first two of these motives were explored. Now, the idea of FOCUS is being considered. Two motives for this FOCUS are ruled out: the gain of money and resources, and the need for power and strength. The Bible suggests these specific motives are not in play for Israel at that time.
Daniel 9:27 - With the unlikely motives of FEAR and FORCE set aside, another reason for Israel to reach covenant terms with the antichrist is the motive of FOCUS. Israel is FOCUSED on gaining something, but what could that be? It's important to understand this future time is both post-Rapture and pre-Tribulation. There are implications to that situation as well as clear descriptions of this time in the Bible.
Daniel 9:27 - Being as Israel is God's prophetic timepiece, Israel will be the focus of the world's attention before the start of the Tribulation just as she is now. But why is Israel at the table with the antichrist in the first place? Is it because of FEAR of her enemies? Most people think so. Or could it be Israel's strength and display of FORCE that causes her foes to be concerned about her? Both of these reasons are explored in this lesson.
Daniel 9:27 - This lesson marks the start of a lengthy study of Daniel 9:27, one of the hub verses of Bible prophecy. The "he" in this verse is the antichrist, and this is reinforced in Jesus' own comments about this very passage in Daniel. This verse concerns the start of the seven-year Tribulation and it must be read and interpreted literally. It is clear that Israel will be motivated to strike some sort of deal with the antichrist. But why?
Daniel 9:26 - A third characteristic of the period between Daniel's 69th and 70th Weeks is the escalating "wars and desolations" which will arrive "like a flood" as this timeframe winds down. History shows this to be true, and the prophetic Scriptures affirm that more and greater conflicts are on the horizon for the Jews and their nation.
Daniel 9:26 - Gabriel tells Daniel that the antichrist will be "of the people" that will destroy Jerusalem and the temple. This happened in 70 AD, but a probe of the historical record reveals more facts to consider. The temple was destroyed by Roman troops that were from the surrounding middle eastern nations. Other Scriptures also seem to suggest it will be from these areas that were part of the eastern leg of the Roman Empire that the antichrist will eventually arise.
Daniel 9:26 - The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD has been subject to much misinformation over the course of history. Preterism has infected many in the church with its heresies, and Jesus was clear on separating these past events from the end of human history. Three views of what happened in 70 AD: the "historical," "Scriptural," and "prophetic" help us to divide truth from fiction.
Daniel 9:26 - While Daniel does not specifically mention the church age in this text, it is also found between the end of the 69th week and the start of the 70th week. This lesson is a high altitude overview of the church age, and specific discussion is given to its supernatural beginnings in Acts 2, the importance of the church age in God's divine plan, and the way the church has experienced attacks against the truth since the day it was started.
Daniel 9:26 - Four basic events take place in this undefined time frame between the end of Daniel's 69th week and the start of the 70th week. Three of them are clear from the text: the crucifixion of Christ, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and a decreed prescription of wars and desolation. One of these events is not so clear: the commencement of the "church age." Jesus Christ emerges as the hub around which these "pre" and "post" events in vss 25 and 26 orbit.
Daniel 9:25 - A deeper analysis is provided of the four decrees which are potential candidates for being the one Gabriel says will kick off "Daniel's 70 Weeks." The one which best qualifies seems to be Artexerxes' 2nd decree, the decree around which the story of Nehemiah is told. Best efforts to trace all the dates and timelines around this event lead to some very provocative conclusions!
Daniel 9:25 - Two main points jump out as we move past vs. 24 into vs. 25. Gabriel says "Daniel's 70 Weeks" are (a.) broken up into chunks of time with gaps in between them, and (b.) there is a clear event - a decree - which starts it all. The decree is to "rebuild Jerusalem," so just when is that specific decree given? Four decrees by 3 Gentile rulers: Cyrus, Darius, and Artexerxes are introduced as possible candidates.
Daniel 9:24 - The two final purposes of "Daniel's 70 Weeks" are studied: (a.) "to seal up vision and prophecy," and (b.) "to annoint the most holy." The most reasonable conclusions about these two purposes emerge from a straightforward reading and interpretation. This approach leads us to focus on the end of The Tribulation and the beginning of the long-awaited Millenial Kingdom.
Daniel 9:24 - Two more purposes of Daniel's 70 Weeks are outlined: "to atone for wickedness," and "to bring in everlasting righteousness." The first clearly looks back to Christ's crucifixion, but Gabriel has specified to Daniel that there is also a unique focus on the Jews that looks forward. The Millennial Kingdom will usher in an era of righteousness, but this does not mean that the expressions of sin are gone.
Daniel 9:24 - The second of the six purposes of Daniel's 70 Weeks is "....to put an end to sin." This prompts the question, "What is sin?" We see obvious and not-so-obvious signs of sin in our world today, but is Gabriel trying to tell Daniel that these expressions of sin will simply end after The Tribulation? This lesson clarifies that the angel's message is directed to the Jewish nation. Sin of all forms will end, but not until The New Heaven and The New Earth.
Daniel 9:24 - The first of the six purposes of Daniel's 70 Weeks is "....to finish transgressions." In effect, God will use The Tribulation to bring final closure to the rebellion the Jews have always had against the divine authority of their Messiah. In Romans, Paul clarifies that the Jews' unbelief is divinely-ordained; it does not violate God's commitment, character, communications, or conditions in any way.
Daniel 9:24 - In the second part of this verse, Gabriel moves from telling Daniel the PLAN for the 70 weeks to describing their PURPOSE. There are six basic intentions for this period of time that God has carved out of human history, and a literal reading and understanding of them makes it clear their primary focus is a future one.
Daniel 9:24 - Today, we are in the "church age," a period of history between Daniel's 69th and 70th weeks. Paul writes there is "neither Jew nor Gentile during this church age, but those comments do not negate God's covenant promises to Abraham. The church today is acting foolish by ignoring the greater counsel of God's Word and choosing instead what it most wants to believe. The need is urgent for the church to see God's plan as HE sees it.
Daniel 9:24 - Daniel's "seventy weeks" are introduced in this pivotal verse. Gabriel tells Daniel that it's "your" people and "your" holy city that this prophetic Scripture is aimed at. Is God through with the Jews? Has He moved beyond Israel to now focus on the church? Hardly. This passage highlights a specific portion of time within human history, and the need is urgent for the church to regard God's plan for the Jews accurately.
Daniel 9:20-23 - Daniel prays earnestly and God answers expediently. In this lesson, we learn that God cares more about our "relationship" than our "rituals." We cannot control the responses or will of God, but there is much to discover in the way Daniel prayed and acted in that process. It's all tied together in the fact that Daniel was "highly esteemed" by God. That's something we'd like to have said about us, but are we really willing to be qualified for this distinction the way Daniel was?
Daniel 9:20-23 - Daniel's second encounter with Gabriel encourages us to dig a bit deeper on the matter of angels. What are the things that we know about them, and how does all that line up with what Scripture really says? This lesson glances more deeply at the angelic order, and a question is raised: How do Cherubim and Seraphim fit into the whole picture?
Daniel 9:20-23 - Gabriel interrupts Daniel's prayer, and he brings Daniel an answer. Daniel notes when this happened, and it's the Jewish "time of prayer." Gabriel - as we will see - will respond to Daniel's passions about "sacrifices," "the temple," and even God's "holy mountain." The past, the present, and the future all come together in this chapter.
Daniel 9:16-19 - Up to this point, Daniel has detailed the many sins of the Jewish nation. Now, as he closes out this magnificent prayer, Daniel reminds God of God's great character, His reputation, His mercy, and His promises. Each of these points underscore that in the midst of trial and exile, Daniel still recognizes the wonderful God he serves.
Daniel 9:12-15 - Daniel's prayer is an fervent and passionate confession concerning the sins of the Jewish nation, and he sees their pattern of sin from ancient history to his time. We can learn much about what it means to truly "confess our sins" from his example. Few of us confess to each other as we ought to (James 5:16), and this impacts our effectiveness in the church and in our walk of faith.
Daniel 9:9-11 - Daniel's prayer shifts from a focus on the Jewish nation and their sins to an emphasis on God and His attributes. In these verses, it is underscored that God is merciful and forgiving, that He requires obedience to righteous standards which He clearly communicates to us. Finally, God is unchanging in those standards and His judgments are always just.
Daniel 9:6-8 - In Daniel's fervent prayer, he notes the Jewish nation as a conquered and widely-scattered people. The situation reveals the justice of God and this point is not missed by Daniel. He assigns 'righteousness' to God and 'shame' to all of the Jewish people. This historical scattering of the Jews by God may prove to play into end-times prophecies in which the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world.
Daniel 9:4-6 - As Daniel begins to pray, he model four key elements of effective prayer which can be summarized as his Start, Style, Source, and Stance. It is clear these elements have been part of his disciplined prayer life since he was young, and they are also affirmed in how Jesus taught His disciples to pray.
Daniel 9:2-3 - It has been Daniel's disciple to study the Scriptures and to see their literal application to his life and to the circumstances of the times he lives in. The result is he is moved to make an appeal to God. The text clarifies six lessons from Daniel's response we should take to heart, and these are his Posture, his Plea, his Prayer, his Petition, his Passing, and lastly, his Penitance.
Daniel 9:1-2 - Chapter 9 of Daniel is one of the pivotal portions of God's Word as far as prophecy is concerned. In the opening verses, we encounter King Darius again, and Daniel displays his own sensitivity to the prophetic Scriptures. In the bigger picture, this is an intriguing era in which God is using a handful of Gentile rulers in his restorative plan for the Jews.
Various - While everyone is "appointed" to die, an exception to this universal fate is our "blessed hope," the Rapture. Often misunderstood and ridiculed, the Rapture is an important truth that faithful believers in all ages of the church have eagerly held to. The Rapture will result in all saints up to that time receiving glorified bodies. How will those glorified bodies compare with the "corruptible" ones we have now?
Various - Everyone dies in one of two conditions: with a saving faith, or without a saving faith. No exceptions. This is demonstrated before and after the cross. At salvation, God "quickens" the spirit of the believer, making all three parts of their being - body, soul, and spirit - active. The spirit of the unbeliever is "dead." The Bible teaches our souls, the "real us," remain fully communicative, sensory, and cognitive after death.
Various - It is a dangerous thing to think our salvation is gained by uttering some prescriptive words. The Bible teaches we must "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ," the full meaning of which demonstrates "salvation by grace through faith." God has placed a vital message about Himself within His creation so that everyone is "without excuse." The souls of the saved are immediately with Jesus at death, while the souls of the unsaved go to Hades, a holding place before Hell.
Various - Death is the great equalizer. Nobody escapes it. But it's after death one's real fate is realized; the decisions we make on this earth have eternal consequences. Luke 16:19-31 is the base text for this series of lessons which probes uncomfortable - but necessary - questions about death, our soul, our spirit, the testimony of Creation, the dangers of "false salvation," Hell, and the promise of future glory in "incorruptible" bodies.
Daniel 8:23-27 - As Chapter 8 concludes, Gabriel discusses the end of the antichrist as well as some final thoughts about the interpretation he's given to Daniel. Gabriel makes the first point cut and dried; he emphasizes there is something supernatural about this leader's demise. Gabriel wraps up by telling Daniel the vision is true and that it needs to be sealed. The suggestion is this part of Daniel has great relevance for future times - perhaps those we are in right now!
Daniel 8:23-25 - In this section, Gabriel has given Daniel a bullet point list about who the antichrist is, what he's like, and what the character of his reign will be. Gabriel's got two more things to tell Daniel before he wraps up, and both have to do with God Himself. It's God who the antichrist takes his stand against, and it's God who terminates the antichrist's reign when this apocalyptic ruler's time is up.
Daniel 8:23-25 - Gabriel elaborates on four more specific qualities about the antichrist in verse 25, and the first two of those can be stated as: "the people he leads at that time will feel secure," and "he will destroy many during his reign." These points are affirmed in other parts of Scripture, and their finer points will be abundantly clear to all saints who are living during the time of the Tribulation.
Daniel 8:23-25 - Gabriel tells Daniel the antichrist will cause lies to prosper, and the greater meaning is the antichrist will set up rules, systems, and people which are designed to advance lies and deception. He will also consider himself to be superior, and this goes hand in hand with his deliberate deceitful nature. We are already seeing the start of all these things in national leadership today, but it's only the beginning of what the Bible warns is coming.
Daniel 8:23-25 - Gabriel offers another tantalizing clue to Daniel about the antichrist, and this phrase closes out verse 24. We learn the antichrist will destroy two classes of people: "mighty men" and "the holy ones." Who are these two groups of people and why does the antichrist single them out for destruction? The answer reveals truth about the times we live in now.
Daniel 8:23-25 - In the middle of verse 23, Gabriel tells Daniel that the antichrist will cause great destruction and enjoy great success. How do we understand this pairing of seemingly-disparate concepts? The answer may lie within two facts about the antichrist that find Scriptural support: "force" and "favor." The antichrist will be too strong to resist, and many will agree with his decisions.
Daniel 8:23-25 - Gabriel gets into the heart of Daniel's vision by starting to explain the details of the antichrist. His first point is the antichrist will rise during a time when the cup of man's depravities is completely full. There was one other time in history when that was the case, and the future is going to look a lot like the past.
Daniel 8:18-22 - Daniel regains his composure and Gabriel tells him about his vision: it's about "the appointed time of the end." Gabriel briefly states the meaning of the great ram and the shaggy goat, but that's just a prelude to what Gabriel has been ordered to explain. Daniel learns here what he will tell King Belshazzar 12 years later. Daniel's exemplary character becomes a chief point of this lesson.
Daniel 8:15-17 - The details of Daniel's vision come to an end, and now the interpretation of it is given to Daniel from Gabriel, the angel. Daniel's reaction to the angel is one of terror, and the interaction between the two stands in contrast to some popular notions about encountering the supernatural today.
Daniel 8:9-14 - This important passage in Daniel closes with two angels essentially asking, "How long will all this take?" The answer, while being specific, does not address whether these events start at the midpoint of the Tribulation or somewhere near the beginning. This class dissects those two options and considers the implications of each one.
Daniel 8:9-14 - The "deeper" dive of Daniel 8:9-14 continues in this lesson with a particular focus on vs. 12. Two main points are considered: the prosperity of the antichrist and truth being thrown to the ground. The points are linked, perhaps in ways a casual glance misses. We are likely seeing early efforts to advance an economic system in our own time which will see full fruition in the reign of the antichrist. The Bible hints at the same thing, but it doesn't work now and it won't then.
Daniel 8:9-14 - With the assumption now firmly in place that the final antichrist is indeed the focus of this text, this lesson begins a reassessment of the points made about him in each verse. His growth in political power, his war against spiritual institutions, and the larger issue of angelic conflicts are the primary emphases of this lesson.
Daniel 8:9-14 - This passage in Daniel prompts many scholars to imagine Antiochus Epiphanes is the subject of this text, but a thorough review of the details finds problems with that perspective. This lesson is a detailed dive into the reasons why the final antichrist is a more suitable focus of this text. A careful comparison is made between similar themes found in Chapters 2, 7, and 8.
Daniel 8:9-12 - The prophetic Scriptures are often reviled in the church for being "irrelevant" or as holding "less priority" than other parts of God's Word. Nothing could be further from the truth. This special lesson focuses on how prophecy became a key part of the early church, and how we are reminded of its various benefits to the believer's life.
Daniel 8:9-12 - Despite many scholars' opinion that the subject of this text is Antiochus Epiphanes, legitimate questions plague that position. This lesson covers six points that cast doubt on that view. They begin to show, instead, that the final antichrist is the likely focus of Daniel's second vision and the angel's interpretation.
Daniel 8:9-12 - A deeper look into this passage casts questions on the assumption that the text is referring to Antiochus Epiphanes. A common mistake is to assess the "directional" elements in this passage with the borders of modern Israel, but what happens when we place the future boundaries of Israel into this future context? This lesson begins a details analysis of why these verses are likely referring to the final antichrist.
Daniel 8:9-12 - A shift in Daniel's vision begins here as an emphasis on this emerging "smaller horn" becomes clear. Two key questions are natural to ask at this point: "Out of which of these four horns did this smaller horn emerge?" and, "Who, or what, is represented by this smaller horn which emerges from the larger one?" It is not difficult to determine the source of this "smaller horn" as the Seleucid territory, but it is more challenging to answer the second question. Four options are briefly discussed: Satan, Rome, Antiochus Epiphanes, and the final antichrist.
Daniel 8:6-8 - The qualities and activities of the goat with the single large horn are reviewed and compared against the historical record of Alexander the Great. The encounter between the ram and the goat is assessed for how it describes the fall of the Medo-Persian empire and the rise of the Grecian empire. What is made clear is the absolute sovereignty of God within these events. The sudden death of Alexander the Great precipitated a power struggle which ultimately led to his kingdom being divided up into four parts, exactly as the Bible had predicted.
Daniel 8:1-5 - Chapter 8 details Daniel's second vision. He is transported to a specific location in Elam where God will issue a prophetic word that's ultimately concerns the Jews. It will be in Elam, too, that God will protect his people via Esther 85 years later - and where Nehemiah will be commissioned after that to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. In his vision, Daniel sees an unusual ram, and an even more unusual goat. The activities of the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires are unfolded to Daniel in these opening verses of this amazing chapter.
Daniel 7:26-28 - The angel wraps up his response to Daniel's questions concerning his vision. He explains to Daniel that the antichrist's terrible reign will come to a swift and sudden end. Evidence-based justice will be delivered in God's court. God's eternal kingdom will commence, and a major power shift will see the saints in a ruling situation. As chapter 7 concludes, Daniel is troubled by his thoughts, and we must put ourselves in his situation to understand why.
Daniel 7:24-25 - The angel tells Daniel more about the ten horns and the little horn which comes after them. In these two verses, the angel provides details which clarify the unique nature of a future global system. The antichrist follows this one-world system, and he emerges from within it. The angel explains that the antichrist is noted for his blasphemy against God, his war against the saints, and his efforts to change "times and laws."
Daniel 7:23 - The angel responds to Daniel a second time about his vision. Following Daniel's lengthy and detailed queries, the angel explains four things about the final Gentile kingdom which will precede the Second Coming of Christ: it's origin, its uniqueness, it activities, and its scope. These are elements which set it apart from the prior three kingdoms and which position it for God's judgment.
Daniel 7:21-22 - Daniel wraps up his questions to the angel by calling attention to what he saw happening with the saints in his vision. He had seen the little horn waging war against them and conquering them. He had seen the Ancient of Days pronouncing judgment, and he had seen the saints entering their glory. But who are these saints, and how do they differ from the saints today? What can we learn of the antichrist's tactics at this future horrible point in time?
Daniel 7:20 - A deeper dive into the question, "What do the 'ten horns' of Daniel's fourth beast represent?" requires that we look at complementary passages in the Bible that also discuss these same matters. When these passages in Daniel are considered alongside recent studies of Bill Salus concerning the chronology of Revelation chapters, 13, 17, and 18, a clearer picture emerges of these ten horns and their role in the last days before Christ's Second Advent.
Daniel 7:20 - Daniel gives attention to "the ten horns" on the fourth beast and particularly "the little horn" that emerges from within this pre-existing group. The term "horn" is used in the Bible to denote strength, might, dignity, and honor, so how does that help to define what Daniel sees? These "ten horns" describe an alliance that exists in a post-Rapture world, and chances are it is aligned in some way with a future and continued expression of the Roman Empire.
Daniel 7:20 - Daniel desires to know more about "the little horn," and as we contemplate the same things Daniel is considering, we need to wrestle with the greater meaning of the term "antichrist." This is a New Testament term for the leader Daniel calls "the little horn," but in the term "antichrist" there is a two-part meaning. It means at the same time, "instead of" as well as "against." A review of a series of passages supports this and gives background to Daniel's observations.
Daniel 7:19 - Daniel asks the angel a new round of questions, and he focuses on the beast which represents the fourth Gentile empire. The context shows Daniel is wondering about its leader, but in this verse Daniel takes note of the nature of this fourth empire. He notes the fact that it's "different from all the others," it is "most terrifying," and it is an empire that "crushes, devours, and tramples." It's an empire that reflects the nature of its leader, the antichrist.
Daniel 7:18 - The angel continues to explain Daniel's vision to him. He tells Daniel of a final kingdom that is to come - an eternal one. This kingdom will be possessed by the saints forever. It's a new concept to Daniel. Who are the saints? The greater Biblical context states the saints will be the kingdom and will have authority and rule within it? Daniel knows what's relevant to his time, but true believers today are permitted a bigger view of the angel's word.
Daniel 7:15-17 - Daniel concludes narrating the details of his vision, and now he reacts to it. A careful assessment of the text shows the vision had a profound impact on him - even affecting him physically. Despite his gift of understanding dreams and visions, there are details of his own vision which escape him. Daniel approaches an angel that is present and asks the angel to help him understand what he has seen. The angel begins to lay out the truth to Daniel plainly.
Daniel 7:13-14 - With the antichrist finished and his kingdom slain, Daniel's attention returns to the heavenly scene where Jesus receives His coronation as the eternal King of kings. It's the first time in the Bible that "son of man" is used to describe him, and a distinction between He and God the Father emerges here to support the doctrine of the Trinity. A four point outline of the quality and character of the kingdom of Jesus Christ is given as Daniel's vision concludes.
Daniel 7:11-12 - Daniel's vision is redirected from heaven back to the fourth beast on earth as a result of the little horn's boastful and audacious words. Despite the dominating successes of the final Gentile empire, it's "no contest" with the Ancient of Days, and this era of human history on earth quickly concludes. Parallel passages in Revelation give additional insight on the nature of the antichrist's demise and the end of his empire.
Daniel 7:10 - Daniel continues to narrate his observations of heaven's throne room, even as the fourth beast of his vision seems invincible on earth. Three more elements are noted which underscore that God will be the final judge of what is taking place. What is clear from this verse is God's justice is permanent, purposeful, perfect, and impartial. It is possible that Daniel is given a "near and far" perspective in this amazing vision of God's plans for depraved humanity.
Daniel 7:10 - A informal Q&A session was the agenda of this class. A review of the significance of the number 70 concerning Israel and the Jewish people was given special attention, particularly in light of Israel's 70th Anniversary as a nation.
Daniel 7:9-10 - In light of this passage's possible implications to our own times and beyond, a special emphasis is given to the importance of Biblical prophecy. A review of three sound principles of Biblical hermeneutics is provided, and the need for responsible interpretation of God's Word is underscored. An overview of the diverse opinions concerning this passage in Daniel is contrasted against those conclusions which result from careful exegesis.
Daniel 7:9-10 - Just who is the "Ancient of Days" in this passage, and how is the doctrine of the Trinity supported here when compared against other "Ancient of Days" passages? More details of heaven's throne room are explored, and specific attention is given to the fiery throne and the blazing wheels. The fiery throne theme appears in multiple other Scriptures, but the wheels are a more enigmatic issue. Is it possible that both Daniel and Ezekiel saw the same thing: flying craft for the angelic order?
Daniel 7:9-10 - A parenthetical portion of Chapter 7 emerges as Daniel's vision suddenly shifts to a heavenly perspective. Even as he sees the future rise of the final antichrist, Daniel also observes the preparations for judgment which are underway in the courts of heaven. These heavenly elements underscore the importance of the prophetic Scriptures, for they show a fuller picture of Jesus Christ, underscoring the truth that "....the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10).
Daniel 7:8 - This pivotal passage of Daniel begins to lay out some "obvious" descriptors of the future and final antichrist. Some "less obvious" insights about this figure also emerge from this verse. While we can be fairly sure of some qualities about the antichrist from this passage, other matters also worth consideration are more veiled. But when all these are assessed against the larger commentary of Scripture, a nontraditional picture of the antichrist becomes worthy of discussion.
Daniel 7:7-8 - A careful study into the nature of Daniel's fourth beast requires we not overlook the phrase which is repeated, "....it was different from all the former beasts." While the prior three beasts are historical to us, the greater Scriptural context portrays this fourth one as future to our time, even "eschatological" in its greater nature. Efforts to associate this fourth beast with PAST Rome are more problematic than efforts to associate it with FUTURE Rome and the time just prior to Christ's Second Advent.
Daniel 7:6-7 - The third of these four beasts is studied and is determined to represent the empire of Greece. Supplementary Biblical texts are reviewed which support this conclusion, and historical facts are assessed which may explain some of the figurative language. An introduction to the fourth beast is given and comparisons are provided to the fourth layer of Nebuchadnezzar's statue in Daniel chapter 4.
Daniel 7:4-5 - The first and second of these fearsome beasts are studied, and they are respectively determined to be the Babylonian and Medo-Persian empires. Careful assessment of the attributes and descriptions of each beast are reviewed against the records of Scripture and history, and specific discussion is given to the "man versus kingdom" question of the first beast.
Daniel 7:1-3 - The 7th chapter of Daniel goes back in time to a point when Daniel seemed forgotten by men, but he was entirely remembered by God. Even as the empire of Babylon begins to fade, God gives Daniel a detailed look into the future. In Daniel's vision, supernatural forces stir up the world of men, generating four great empires which are pictured as four terrible beasts.
Daniel 7 - In this opening intro to the prophetic second half of Daniel, an outline for approaching Chapters 7-12 is laid out. It begins with the overall Panorama, and delves into the Purpose and Promise of this amazing portion of Scripture. The need to have a proper view of Israel is discussed, for as John MacArthur says, "If you get Israel right, you get your eschatology right."
Daniel 6:23-28 - King Darius pulls Daniel out of the lion's den, throws his accusers in, and lifts God up to his entire empire in this climactic closure to the historical half of the book of Daniel. The key lesson is Daniel's faithful life accomplished a great deal for the kingdom of God, and each of us face the same challenge to live as righteously as Daniel did.
Daniel 6:18-22 - The king has a restless night in his palace while Daniel is at peace in the lion's den. The king is overjoyed to find Daniel alive the next morning, and Daniel emphasizes four important things to Darius as he speaks to the king from the bottom of the pit.
Daniel 6:10-15 - What the king knew, what the administrators and governors knew, and what Daniel knew all plays out in the perfect choreography of God's plan. It looks really grim for Daniel, but God is positioning the entire trap that is laid against Daniel to serve His sovereign plan.
Daniel 6:4-9 - A deceptive and carefully-choreographed plan to destroy Daniel becomes the sole ambition of the jealous governors of King Darius. A five-point outline details their plans, and it presents startling parallels to dynamics within our world today.
Daniel 6:4-9 - Daniel's faithfulness and trustworthiness earn him the favor of King Darius, but others are less pleased with Daniel's early success. This disgruntled group commits itself to the goal of bringing Daniel down.
Daniel 6:1-3 - Chapter 6 of Daniel is the last of the "narrative" chapters in Daniel. Daniel begins to serve a new king in the Medo-Persian empire, and his experience and faithfulness establish him as "God's favored man" once more.
Daniel 5:25-31 - The judgment of believers is really a time of honor according to the Scriptures. This lesson covers the five types of crowns believers might earn, and what is required to gain each one.
Daniel 5:25-31 - The Bible teaches that every believer will face "the judgment seat of Christ." This lesson reviews that event and how it differs from the judgment every nonbeliever will face.
Daniel 5:25-31 - Daniel interprets the writing for King Belshazzar and reveals the purpose, problem, and prediction behind it.
Daniel 5:22-24 - Daniel gives King Belshazzar a history lesson about King Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 5:17-21 - Babylon hits crisis mode and God reinserts Daniel back into active service.
Daniel 5:17-21 - Daniel is brought to King Belshazzar, and the king acts condescendingly.
Daniel 5:13-16 - The queen enters and challenges the king, and compels him to call Daniel.
Daniel 5:9-12 - Babylon is ending, and God’s miraculously interrupts king Belshazzar’s party.
Daniel 5:5-8 - There is a new king, but the same Daniel serves faithfully behind the scenes.
Daniel 5:1-4 - The case behind why the king arrived at a proper faith in the One True God.
Daniel 4:34-37 - The king comes to proper faith in God and experiences eight key changes.
Daniel 4:34-37 - Daniel leads the empire of Babylon as king Nebuchadnezzar goes insane.
Daniel 4:33 - The terrible fate of the king takes place precisely as Daniel said it would.
Daniel 4:31-32 - The prophecy of the king’s dream is fulfilled in the king’s own words.
Daniel 4:28-30 - Daniel explains the meaning of the dream and its parts and its purpose.
Daniel 4:20-27 - Daniel models tact and wisdom as he weighs the meaning of the king’s dream.
Daniel 4:19 - The angel in the dream describes the sovereignty, say, and strategy of God.
Daniel 4:17-18 - The certain fate of the king is described by the angel in the king’s dream.
Daniel 4:15-16 - The king describes the angel in his dream which said some terrifying things.
Daniel 4:13-15 - The kings describes the details of his dream which he shared with Daniel.
Daniel 4:10-12 - The king says how he sought out Daniel because he needed Godly counsel.
Daniel 4:6-8 - King Nebuchadnezzar begins to tell the story of how God got his attention.
Daniel 4:4-5 - King Nebuchadnezzar says God is mighty, eternal, and His kingdom never ends.
Daniel 4:3 - King Nebuchadnezzar tells the purpose of sharing his very-public testimony.
Daniel 4:2 - In a public decree, King Nebuchadnezzar begins to tell his personal testimony.
Daniel 4:28-30 - The king learns a series of valuable lessons from the fiery furnace event.
Daniel 3:19-27 - Daniel’s three friends display confidence, conviction, and commitment.
Daniel 3:16-18 - The king reacts angrily to the shifty tactics of his proud pagan advisors.
Daniel 3:13-18 - The underhanded motives of the pagan advisors are discussed in detail.
Daniel 3:9-12 - Daniel’s three friends are caught by the pride of the king’s pagan advisors.
Daniel 3:7-8 - Three unique lists are described with the great golden statue’s coronation.
Daniel 3:2-6 - King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride is on display as he builds a great golden statue.
Daniel 3:1-3 - Daniel’s quality character shows as he tells the king the dream’s meaning.
Daniel 2:44-45 - Daniel addresses “What?” concerning the nature of the Millenial Kingdom.
Daniel 2:44-45 - How this passage in Daniel applies to the powerful delusion that is coming.
Daniel 2:43-44 - How the Nephilim show up in the Bible, always striving against God’s plan.
Daniel 2:43-44 - The Nephilim start in Genesis, and go through Daniel and into Revelation.
Daniel 2:43-44 - This enigmatic passage of Daniel holds great relevance with today’s events.
Daniel 2:43-44 - A deep dive into prophetic Scriptures supports our “unearthly” conclusions.
Daniel 2:43-44 - Last lesson’s conclusions are found to be in harmony with the rest of Scripture.
Daniel 2:43 - Astonishing conclusions emerge if proper Biblical hermeneutics are followed.
Daniel 2:43 - Daniel speaks of a future final Gentile kingdom in the toes of clay and iron.
Daniel 2:40-43 - The iron legs theories are evaluated against a historical and Biblical context.
Daniel 2:32-39 - The statue’s legs of iron are discussed and two main theories are presented.
Daniel 2:32 - Daniel explains the Gentile kingdoms which follow Babylon, the head of gold.
Daniel 2:31 - Daniel discusses the meaning of the king's dream with him, and says Nebuchadnezzar is the "king of kings."
Daniel 2:36-45 - Daniel discloses the details of the king's dream to him, and says that God is seeking to speak to the king.
Daniel 2:31-35 - Daniel's explanation of the king's dream underscores the primary purpose of prophecy to reveal Jesus Christ.
Daniel 2:27-30 - Daniel explains the prophetic purpose of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream to him.
Daniel 2:28-30 - The tact and character of Daniel is on display as he prepares to declare the meaning of the king's dream.
Daniel 2:24-30 - Here are six elements that should be incorporated into every faithful and effective discipline of prayer.
Daniel 2:19-23 - Daniel's prayer life is exemplary, and it's marked by specific qualities we should all seek to emulate1.
Daniel 2:17-23 - Daniel's faithfulness is examined through the lens of his choices, his battles, his standards, and his time.
Daniel 2:8-21 - Daniel's test exposes the true nature of genuine friendships - what they are and what they are not.
Daniel 2:8-21 - Here are five ways God has prepared the circumstances to promote Daniel and to glorify His own name.
Daniel 2:2-13 - King Nebuchadnezzar and his pagan advisors are exposed for their lack of comprehending God's ways.
Daniel 2:2-13 - Various world affairs are discussed that may hold some prophetic significance according to The Word Of God.
Daniel 2:1 - The basic nature and purpose of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great metallic statue is explored.
Daniel 1:8-21 - A right view of God enables Daniel to act with relaxed confidence and ascend with reliable character.
Daniel 1:8-21 - A right view of God enables Daniel to argue his case respectfully to his superiors.
Daniel 1:8-21 - A right view of God enables Daniel to exercise compassion in the middle of his tough trial.
Daniel 1:8-21 - Daniel's example models five elements that are necessary when we face our toughest decisions.
Daniel 1:8 - Daniel resolves to implement three important principles that help to clarify the nature of his choices.
Daniel 1:3-7 - King Nebuchadnezzar tries to change the identity, education, and habits of Daniel and his friends.
Daniel 1:1-2 - God's sovereignty, surety, and security are on display within the historical context of Daniel.
Daniel 1:1-2 - This is a history of the book of Daniel and some relevent information about its main characters.