OT - End Times - Commentary

Joel

~Chapter 1~

1-14 This entire chapter deals with a lament over Israel. Most likely a result after a loss in a major battle that left the entire country in sorrow. So much so that it has stopped the offerings in the Temple. God exhorts the priests to morn and cry out to Him. To hold a fast and assembly in the Temple with all the people.

15 The day of the LORD is brought up in this verse. Which will be the theme of Chapter 2. I am still unsure why it is placed within this Chapter. But what we learn here could be important elsewhere. The day of the LORD is “near”. The simplest explanation seems to fit best in this instance since we do not get much information. “It will come like destruction from Shaddai.” Joe 1:15. Here we find “the day of the LORD” likened to destruction.

16-20 This has is a continuation from verses 1-14. But focuses more on the lands current fallen condition from the effects of the war.

~Chapter 2~

1 To start this chapter we have a important categorical name within End Times. “The day of the LORD” appears both in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. You will find more information about this in my teaching on End Times. We first have 3 references to the nation of Israel. “Zion, my holy mountain, and the inhabitants of the land”. At first glace this seems to be giving some support to a Preterist interpretation if Israel indeed is the subject of “the day”. However, an easier push back would be to highlight the fact we are in the Hebrew Bible. Also, we have mention of this topic and just 1 verse before the writer delivers potentially a different topic.

2-9 The most likely subject of this very descriptive section is found in verse 2. “A great and strong army”. Joel seems to be linking this to “the day of the LORD’. This army is very unique according to 2b. 3 explains that this army creates complete destruction. I cannot be certain how literal to take this. Potentially we may find some other Scripture to help determine this. I do want to point out verses 4 and 5 as they seem to parallel Rev 9:7-11. We see both explaining that the subjects “army” and “locusts” are compared to horses in appearance and make a noise like chariots. I am not arguing that these are exactly the same. As the actual description of how these play out are different in nature. I will investigate this further in my Revelation commentary. The rest of this description of verses 6-9 articulate how effective and destructive this army preforms.

10-11 This could start two ways. We could have “before them” meaning either before they come this will happen or before their presence this will happen. I understand this is a slight nuanced difference that has minimal implication. But I thought to at least mention it. Verses 2-9 create our context for our subject of “them”. These cosmic and earthly disturbances have sparked many speculations. How they are fulfilled. I will not get into that here. What we know is these cosmic signs are linked to the army and “the day of the LORD”. Verse 11 leads me to believe that this army is actually under orders from God. Fulfilling, at least in part, what we know as “the day of the LORD”. This would follow the same idea as Joel 1:15. Being judgment and destruction from God.

12-17 God reminds His people that His character does not change. His desire is for us to turn to Him. That He can demonstrate His love and grace toward those who return to Him. For the majority of this book to be focused on rebellion and rejection of God, , God’s judgment, and the day of the LORD. Verses 12-17 remind us that God desires grace more then judgment.

18-27 Here we have 1 of 2 options. This section is either God’s promise of restoration or the act of restoration. I need to spend more time in the Hebrew grammar to see why we have translations favoring either of these ideas.

28-32 The promise of the Spirit. Peter quotes this in Acts 2:17-21 as being fulfilled. Also known as the Day of Pentecost. Within our Hebrew manuscripts we do not find “in the last days”. So most likely Peter was quoting the Septuagint similar to other NT quotes of the Hebrew Bible. In my Acts 2 commentary I covered this Scripture at length.

~Chapter 3~

1-8 I want to spend more time looking into this section. There were obvious fulfilled prophecy to this gathering and judgment. If this also has a future fulfillment. This could correlate with the the regathering of the nation of Israel after 1812 of dispersion.

9-13 The Valley of Jehoshaphat is an intriguing topic. It literally means the valley where Yahweh will judge. But as far as any topographical location. That has yet to be discovered. Because of the eschatological implications surrounding the entire book of Joel. I would argue for this also to have some strong connections to the End Times. I explore that further in my revelation commentary. A few geographical options that have been given include. The valley of Beracah was the location that Jehoshaphat blessed the LORD for winning the battle of 2 Chr 20. The Kidron valley that separates the East side of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. The valley created by God separating the mount of Olives in Zech 14:4-5. And I would like to offer another option that is completely my own. As this book is heavily End Times oriented. I tend to favor NT interpretation for OT questions. In this case the valley of Armageddon would fit this description. I will elaborate on this idea in my Revelation Commentary but did want to at least include my proposal here.

14-15 I am separating these verses from the Valley of Jehoshaphat discussion to speak on the nature of these verses. They are included within the same context. Yet, they carry unique phrases that we find within the NT. “The day of the LORD” is hand in hand with this judgment we find in the valley of Jehoshaphat/decision. And seems like this is the physical location. We find more illusion to celestial signs in verse 15. What i notice from the various interpretation camps regarding celestial signs is in stark contrast. I favor a more balanced approach toward these signs. They seem to be referenced so frequently I would be hard convinced if they had some ambiguous interpretation. A literal approach seems best. At the same time I am quick to disassociate with any hyper-literalists who find fulfillment in everything. When these prophecies come to fulfillment. I'm under the impression that they will be as obvious as Christ walking into the temple.

16-21 Though the Day of the LORD will take place. God promises to protect His people. This also seems to extend to Jerusalem. “And Jerusalem will be a place of holiness,

and strangers will pass through it no longer.” Joe 3:17. I cant recall a time that this came into full effect after the time of Joel. We had the 400 years of silence after Malachi then with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the full dispersion of the Jews in 135 AD. One should suspect a future fulfillment still. These references to Egypt and Edom, I don't have a clear understanding on. Although they are important. The last 2 verses that we end with have a special significance. Judah, Jerusalem, and Zion are all named. I am sure one could argue for some form of the tri aspect of Israel in connection with the Trinity of Yahweh. My proposition may extend further out of the text but hear me out. As I believe in national Israel. I cannot reduce every passage about Israel now being a 1 for 1 swap with the church of Christ. The primary subject seems to be Israel as the people and the land. Which would lead me to believe an actual bloodguilt being forgiven for the children of Israel. The most glaring event of human history and how they responded comes to mind. And all the people answered and* said, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Mt 27:25

Malachi

The book of Malachi was written around 445-432 BC during the Persian period. Taking place roughly 400 years before Christ. These are also known as the silent years because God was not using prophets to bring back Israel. We also have no inspired text from this time period as proof this was the case. Malachi meaning “my messenger” in Hebrew deals primarily with a rejection from the Israelites of living as God is holy. This comes in the form of presenting blemished offerings, neglecting tithes, and marrying Gentiles.

Chapter 1:

1-5 Malachi starts with God expressing His own love toward the people of Israel. He poses a question to directed towards God from Israel, “how have you loved us?” Then answers this question comparing them as a nation verses the Edomites. The Edomites are the decedents of Esau. At this time period, the Edomites were destroyed from the fulfillment of Ezekiel 35. As they rejoiced of the destruction of Israel during the Babylonian capture. God says that He heard their contemptible words and will judge them with their own desire against Israel. God’s love for Israel is demonstrated by not even allowing the Edomites to rebuild their destroyed cities.

6-14 God is showing the hypocrisy of Israel. The priests are being addressed in this section. Sons honor their fathers and slaves honor their masters. Yet they do not even honor their God. Showing that they even despise God by the offerings being presented. Stolen, sick, lame, and blind animal sacrifice was certainly forbidden in the Levitical law. Yet, here we see that this may be the normal sacrificial system of Malachi’s day. The priests even didn’t seem to want to offer even the sick and stolen to God. Saying, “‘Look! This is a weariness,’ and you sniff with disdain at it,” Mal 1:13. Priestly duty was suppose to be a privilege not punishment. God even mentions that incense is burned to Him throughout the Gentile nations. His name is even held in great honor among them. This is most likely due to what has happened through the period of the Abrahamic covenant until now. As the Israelite’s have interacted with the nations in both good and bad ways. God demonstrating His love and power through a variety of ways. Apparently this has caused Gentile nations to worship and respect the God of Israel in some fashion.

Chapter 2:

1-9 Continuing to address the priests of Israel. God explains the curse that will come and already has come on the sons of Levi who do not give glory to His name. He reminds them of the purpose of the covenant with Levi was one of life and peace. To resist sin ans turn back those who were away from God. Being a messenger for God. Yet, these priests have turned away from the purpose of the covenant. Doing the opposite of what is required. Now turning people away from God favoring their own instruction instead of God’s.

10-12 The tribe of Judah is also mentioned as one of the families has done a “detestable” thing. It most likely has something to do with pagan idolatry.

13-16 This section seems to be more focused on Israel as a whole. Dealing with divorce and unfaithfulness within all the people. Even though they “cover the alter of Yahweh with tears”.

17 Here we find the systemic problem of the people. A ideology of people committing evil is good in God’s eyes, that God delights in evil, and God being absent in justice.

Chapter 3:

1-4 Here we find the first reference of the Messiah’s coming. A memorable passage quoted within the New Testament about John the Baptist. Jesus said in Matthew, Mark and Luke that John is the messenger that comes to prepare the way of the Lord. John the Apostle writes of this fulfillment but in a different way. To remain consistent with our NT prophecy. This needs to, at minimum, be partially fulfilled. Verse 1 seems to be completely fulfilled. Yet, verse 2-4 present a few problems if they remain the same literary style of fulfillment. Being able to endure and stand in “the day of His coming” are the ideas posed in verse 2. This action words denote God’s judgement. Verse 3 emphasizes that with God acting as a gold refiner. This analogy parallels removing sin, like the dross, out of the children of Levi. This will cause them to present offerings to God in righteousness. Now we could easily make a comparison to what Christ has accomplished enabling believers in Him to be righteous. Who are now priests according to the New Covenant. Looking at verse 4 though, we see this offering coming from Judah and Jerusalem. It is also being likened to the former sacrifices by the phrase “in the days of old and like in former years”. So what Jesus accomplished for us as believers could be hinted at here. But I would not feel comfortable if this is the sole interpretation of this prophecy. It seems best to understand verses 2-4 as a second prophecy that has not been fulfilled. I will need to provide evidence for this at a later teaching. But hopefully my concerns are understandable.

5 This most likely is a continuation of the previous section. But does seem to provide separate information that focuses on punishment for sin. This has no promises of hope as verse 2-4 explain. Just judgement.

6-12 I would argue that this is one of the most misquoted Scriptures in the Hebrew Bible. I'm sure that it increases tithing tremendously but as we will see. That application is completely out of context. Verses 6-7 sets the stage for this beautiful passage of God’s desire for the Children of Israel to return to Him. Making this declaration of God’s unchanging nature and His ability to protect and maintain them as a people group until this day. The issue we find here is that they have departed from God by rejecting the rules God established originally. Now verses 8-11 are the commonly used Scripture reading before taking a tithe. Trying to guilt people into thinking. “if i don't tithe then I am robbing God and missing out on all of these blessings”. Well two key references of the subject is brought up. 1) The “children of Jacob” in verse 6. 2) The “whole nation” in verse 9. To claim that the “whole nation” of Christianity is stealing tithes from God seems a bit absurd. Yet if we keep reading. Often not quoted is verse 12. Where we find if the subject of people God is speaking to. Turn from their ways and stop robbing God. The nations around the subject will call them a blessed land. Could this have some application in a Christian lifestyle. Maybe. But the Mosaic Covenant is vastly different the Messiah’s Covenant. Much overlapping yes but when the NT speaks to the exact topic. Now called giving. Let us submit to God’s Word in proper context. Because God loves a cheerful giver 2 Cor 9:7. Any pastor or person intentionally using God’s Word out of context in order to manipulate the bride of Christ. Two scriptures that come to mind are Mark 9:42 & Gal 6:7.

13-15 Here is another posed question that God answers for the Children of Jacob. If we dwell on this any amount of time. To say serving God as either a Jew or Christian is worthless. It certainly is a very sad state. If these thoughts arise. Please read the Book of Hebrews as a remembrance.

16-18 God’s grace. These 3 chapters have been like an open court presenting evidence against the defendant. Whether or not the ending to chapter 3 is about only those as the non-guilty party in all of this. Or it is a response of repentance. I think one could argue either way. The Lord God listening attentively as this group speaking among themselves is astounding. And God’s grace is poured out as He commits these people to a scroll. That when He acts His grace will be poured out in mercy and compassion.

Chapter 4:

1-3 We most likely see an continuation of Mal 3:1-5 here. Speaking of “the day is about to come”. We have two groups contrasted here. The evildoer and arrogant verse those who fear/revere God’s name. For the first group highlighted in verse 1. God says that “the day” in proper context will be liked to an oven and the evildoers and arrogant will be like stubble. This clearly portrays the judgment. Verse 2-3 speaks about those who revere God’s name. Instead of fiery judgement, the sun rises bringing healing and joy. I’m not a Hebrew expert at the moment so I wont go into that. But we then see the relationship of those who fear God against those who walk wickedly. As the fire consumes hay or stubble. It quite literally turns to ash. Here they are trampled down and stepped on like ash. A staggering comparison.

4 God reminds the children of Joseph of His instruction that He gave to Moses. The entire book of Malachi clearly teaches a rejection of God’s instruction. This is unmistakable. So it would not be strange for God to explicitly remind them to observe said instruction like we find here. I may be reading into this so please disregard if you find this to be too much of a stretch. This could also be a reminder of coming fulfillment Deut 18:15. The One to come like Moses from among the Jewish people. Where Moses said that the Jewish people need to hear Him. Primarily I believe it is speaking to obey the instruction that God gave. Yet, now we know that Jesus Christ is the main character in the Hebrew Bible. This book’s setting stands 400 years before Messiah will come into His creation . Serves as the last prophetic message before the true Moses deliveries the Jewish people from the slavery of sin and leads them to the true promised land of eternal life.

5-6 Elijah promised. What I believe is important to highlight here is how the Jewish scribes focus on this passage. They must have spoke about it often. That this concept was on the mind of the disciples. Even after the mount of transfiguration. This was the exact question that they asked Jesus in Matt 17:10 and Mark 9:11. I plan to explore these implications in a different study but we can see this is a very impactful prophecy in the mind of the Jewish people. That even the authors of the Gospels give explicit references from Gabriel speaking to Zechariah in Luke, Jesus speaking to John’s disciples, and Jesus speaking to His own disciples. Think about it. John the baptist was literally turning the Jewish world upside down. Saying, “Repent for the Kingdom of God has come near!” Though being under Roman rule. Their religious practices were not being withheld from them. He was even baptizing Jewish people in the wilderness instead a more proper place like the Temple. Having the audacity to declare that it is a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins. This is during the time of the second temple where there is still sacrifices and feasts to the Lord God. I understand that is hard for us to grasp being so far removed from this specific people and culture. But there was real reason for the religious people of the day to scrutinized and plotted against John. Verse 5-6 emphasize John the baptist’s role before Messiah will come. I do have to point out here that this seems to be different then verses 1-3. Both speak about the coming of the LORD yet have entirely different implications. As i previously mentioned we also see these same difference in Malachi 3:1-5. How we deal with these Scriptures can not be taken lightly. But let me offer what I believe is a compelling interpretation. The New Testament confirms that there is a veil over the Hebrew Bible which is only removed through Jesus Christ (2 Cor 3:12-14). Putting forth this important interpretational method to our topic. We know that Christ came and promised to come again. The evidence of this is self evident. And anyone rejection this has to reject foundation Christianity. At least with Malachi, (I will provide evidence if available for other Scriptures within those specific commentaries) we seem to have both the first and second coming of Christ being articulated in the same breath. And we now realize the difference because Christ has came and fulfilled all the prophecies pointing to the “Messiah of Joseph” or the “suffering servant”. The aspects that have not been fulfilled, commonly known as the Messiah of David, now await His return. I would argue that this seems like the most obvious and logical approach to OT Messianic prophecies. If you want more of my evidence on this interpretation. Please go to my teaching on OT Messianic prophecies.

Amos 5

Amos 5:18-27 “Alas, those who desire the day of Yahweh, why is this for you the day of Yahweh? It will be darkness and not light! It will be as if a man fled from a lion and a bear met him; or he went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall and a snake bit him. Is not the day of Yahweh darkness and not light, and pitch dark with no brightness in it? “I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your assemblies. Yes, even if you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them, and I will not look at the fellowship offerings of your fattened animals. Remove from me the noise of your songs, and I do not want to hear the melody of your harps! But let justice roll on like the water, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings those forty years in the desert, O house of Israel? And you will take up Sikkuth, your king, and Kaiwan, your images, the star of your gods which you made for yourselves. And I will d…”

Though Amos is a minor prophet that also mentions the day of the LORD. I believe that this reference is only in passing and does not give us much information about that day. For those that desire the day of the LORD for deliverance but walk according to wickedness. This day will be of judgment. Chapter 5 speaks of their wickedness at length. “They hate the one who reproves in the gate and they abhor the one who speaks honestly.” Am 5:10. I believe this verse serves a good summary. The LORD calls them to repentance through this chapter to receive God’s grace. Yet makes clear his hatred and judgment on sin. The day of the LORD references in 18 and 20 only deals with the misconception that they have with how it will function. I am not sure what could have given this impression. But clearly it was there. We see this same characteristic of judgment throughout the day of the LORD references.

Zechariah 14

Zech 14:1-15 “Look! A day is coming for Yahweh, when your plunder will be divided in your midst. I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, and they will loot the houses, and the women will be raped; half of the city will go into exile, but the remainder of the people will not be cut off from the city. Then Yahweh will go forth and fight against those nations, like when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in half, from east to west, by a very great valley; and half of the mountain will withdraw toward the north, and the other half toward the south. And you will flee by the valley of my mountains, because the valley of the mountains will reach to Azal, and you will flee like you fled from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. And Yahweh my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. And then on that day there will no…”

Zechariah’s whole writing deals with a lot of End Times prophecy. The culmination of this book is the Day of the Lord. The Nations will gather against Jerusalem for war. Then subsequently fall. Yet the remnant will remain in Jerusalem. After or during the fall. The context is the Day of the Lord. Where the Lord will fight for the Jewish people against the nations. He will return to the mount of Olives in “that Day”. Splitting it from East to West that will provide an escape to the Jews within the City. Most likely leading toward or close to Bethany. Given the text and the topography of the Mount of Olives (see map below). Briefly, I want to mention Acts 1:9-12. As Jesus ascends into Heaven, the disciples are told that He will return in like manner. Just as you saw Him go into Heaven. We are then given their location in verse 12. Which is the Mount of Olives. As Zechariah records the Day of the Lord, we have clear teaching within the New Testament narrative, confirming this location for Jesus’ return. Back to Zech 14:5, the saints or holy ones come with God. This is no small topic. And I have dealt with it in detail highlighting the ἐπισυναγωγῆς in 2 Thess 2. The collections of the saints with Jesus Christ our God. This will be a joyful day for believers. And is promised here in the OT with this prophecy. The Messianic Reign. Zech 14:6-11 speaks on the supernatural characteristics that Jerusalem will posses. If we take a literal return of Jesus Christ. Standing on the mount of Olives, while He delivers the Jewish people from the war of the nations. I do not see a supporting alternate position. These characteristics are in fact literal. As this Messianic Reign plays out. Zech 14:12-19 deals with a punishment upon those survivors of the Jerusalem War. Yet, the whole world will come to Jerusalem to worship God and celebrate the Feast of Booths. But judgment if they don't. God withholds the rains of their land. Zech 14:20-21 ends with widespread honor and worship to God. Indicating, the victory in the Messianic Reign over the Earth.

Zech 14:16-21 “And then every survivor from all those nations coming against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the king, Yahweh of hosts, and celebrate the Feast of Booths. And then whoever of the clans of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the king, Yahweh of hosts, it will not rain on them. And if the clan of Egypt will not go up and come in, on them will be that plague Yahweh inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. On that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “Holy to Yahweh.” And the cooking pots in the house of Yahweh will be holy like the sacrificial basins before the altar. And every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to Yahweh of hosts, and all those who sacrifice will come and will take from them, and will cook in them, and there will be no longer a trader in the house …”

I am apprehensive to even start working on research for this topic. As I know how deep it will be yet veiled in a cloud of mystery.

Zech 14 seems to be the most detailed account of this doctrine. Here I will not so much focus on the timing of His reign. Since I have dealt with that elsewhere. I want to focus on Zech 14:9. Yahweh will be King over all the earth. Where Yahweh will be One and His name One. Lets try and establish the context of this passage first. Zechariah, consider as a minor prophet, deals with many prophecies of the coming Christ. We find the promise of the BRANCH, the Messiah riding a colt, the 30 pieces of silver for the potters field, the morning for the One whom they pierced, and striking the Shepherd the sheep will be scattered. As some of the most commonly known prophecies of Christ. At the peak of Zechariah’s letter we find the final unfolding fulfillment of Christ’s authority extended to earth.

Looking back to Zech 9:9-10, before we continue in Zech 14. We have the “coming King” prophecy that has two part fulfillment. Zech 9:9 clearly has been fulfilled with Christ entering Jerusalem in Mark 11:7-11.

I want to highlight the nature of this prophecy. I'm position of at least a major reason the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Was a misunderstanding of prophetic details surrounding Messiah. We have the lowly King riding a colt as He comes into Jerusalem. Or Messiah ben Joseph. Then the conquering King establishing His dominion to the ends of the earth. Both being told within two verses. I am assuming their interpretation on this as I have not spent time with Rabbinic commentaries to distinguish how the Jewish people interpret these verses. The text however does seem to indicate the Messiah ben David focus the Jews were focused on during the Roman rule.

Coming to Zech 9:10 one could argue that this has also been fulfilled within the time frame of the 70 AD destruction. I would submit to that in a sense. But what seems to be more focused on is the peace and dominion to the ends of the earth. Cross referencing to passages that also deal with the Messianic reign seem to confirm this as well.

With a few things now established. Zech 14 seems to dedicate it’s entire focus on this Messianic Reign. Before I cross reference other text. It is always a good idea to understand what a text says before we bring in other scripture. The “day of the LORD” is coming. Obviously Zech wrote and taught a future fulfillment to his time. Now 2,500-ish years later we have the privilege of trying to understand what was being spoken and when this is/was fulfilled. As far as where, Jerusalem is easily distinguished as the setting. At face value, we read of a loosing war to the nations. The city captured, pillaged and spoils of war taken. Remember the timing is the “day of the LORD”. Soon after or during this defeat of the nations. The LORD is the One who fights Jerusalem’s battle. And on that Day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives. I'm sure with with verse 4, we are thinking of bringing in other verses to this text. But please, we as Christians have the duty to allow God’s Word to speak. Smuggling in ideas, teachings, or worldviews will only lead us into error. And this undermines the authority of God’s Word in our lives. Proper hermeneutics positions us to read the text, in it’s con-text, then in light of its co-text. With the overall Bible in mind (I cant think of the term that describes the bible as a whole). As we read the text in its whole. Then we can comparatively establish related co-texts to these passages and any other as we read and submit to the Bible. Refocusing ourselves to verse 4. As the LORD stands on the Mount of Olives, the mountain will split in two. Providing a way of escape for the remaining Jews in the walls of Jerusalem. Verse 5 ends with “And Yahweh my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” This text seems to be as simple as it is read. When the LORD comes. He will be coming with the holy ones. The question is who are these holy ones mentioned. I see two possible interpretations for these beings. Angels or the saints. These two groups are the only ones mentioned in this classification other then the children of Israel. But this cannot be Israel because of the context of the passage. With Christ coming to save the Jews. Given other co-texts, its seems to me that it would be the saints in this given instance. I have dedicated an entire exposition on what I consider the ἐπισυναγωγή or the gather together of the saints. But let us continue on to verse 6-7. The focus seems to be the earth here. The day and night cycle highlighted and even at night there will be light as the day. Verse 8-9 continues to speak to an earthly aspect. Where living waters flow across to the Mediterranean and to the Persian Gulf. For a period of time since it speaks on both summer and winter seasons. The LORD will be King. Over specifically all the earth. Zech 14:1-9 has had only earthly things in mind. To depart from this frame of mind as we get to Zech 14:9 seems reckless. In addition to that, the rest of chapter 14 has a very earthly focus as well. Moving on, “; on that day Yahweh will be one and his name one”. The depth of this statement alone is staggering. I want to come back to this after the exposition of Zech 14. Verses 10-11 speak to a topographical change to Jerusalem and a freedom imparted to the Jews to both worship and dwell in safety. Verses 12-15 describe the plague and that will come against those who fight against Jerusalem. First mentioned likely from Zech 14:3. It also alludes to the spoil that will be taken in result of victory. Then to finish this chapter, those survivors then will go up to Jerusalem to worship Yahweh and celebrate specifically the Feasts of Booths. You may be wondering why there is only one feast mentioned here. Instead of all the feasts that the LORD command Israel to keep during the Jewish nation. The Feast of Booths, also known as Tabernacles or Sukkot, is the harvest festival. Its the last of the seven feasts that were given and is primarily focused on worshiping God for His provision and protection. Which was clearly pointing the Jewish people to the coming Christ. As the last feast and celebration to God for all He provides and has provided. The Feast of Booths seems to focus on God’s completion of salvation and provision for us as His creation. Yet, during this time if those that survive this end times war don't come to participate Sukkot. They will receive no rain and potentially the plague that was mentioned in verses 12-15. Then the culmination of this amazing chapter we have from the labor to the cook. There is holiness to Yahweh. Where the house of Yahweh is set apart for only worship. So to quickly recap. We have all nations gather against Jerusalem for the destruction of the Jews. Yahweh fights for them and destroys the opposing army. Establishing a earthly reign that changes the landscape and how the world works. Implementing a yearly Feast the survives come to worship the LORD. And a daily holiness to the LORD. Where the LORD is One and His name will be One.

Daniel

Dan 2:44 “And in the day of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, and the kingdom will not be left for another nation, and it will bring an end to all these kingdoms, but it will stand forever.”

I also favor the deeper understanding of this verse . Yes, Messiah will bring an end or destroy these kingdoms. Messiah’s kingdom will be forever. Yet, it is not simply a singular event that spans over a day. But the principle of “already, not yet” seems to be logically consistent when looking at a fuller picture of the entire book of Daniel.

Daniel 7:8-22 “I was considering the horns, and look, another little horn came up among them, and three of the earlier horns were rooted out from before it, and there were eyes like the eyes of a human in this horn and also a mouth that was speaking boastfully. “I continued watching until thrones were placed and an Ancient of Days sat; his clothing was like white snow and the hair of his head was like pure wool and his throne was a flame of fire and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued forth and flowed from his presence; thousands upon thousands served him and ten thousand upon ten thousand stood before him. The judge sat, and the books were opened. “I continued watching then because of the noise of the boastful words of the horn who was speaking; I continued watching until the beast was slain and its body was destroyed, and it was given over to burning with fire. And as for the remainder of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but a prolongation of their life was given to them…”

Here we find a description of the “little horn”. There are several passages that focus on this character within Daniel.

A little horn that raises from the forth beast and the 10 horns

Had eyes like the eyes of a human

Had a mouth speaking boastful words

Subdues 3 kings

Is greater than his companions

Makes war against the Saints and prevails over them until God gives judgement

Dan 7:13-14 ““I continued watching in the visions of the night, and look, with the clouds of heaven one like a son of man was coming, and he came to the Ancient of Days, and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingship that all the peoples, the nations, and languages would serve him; his dominion is a dominion without end that will not cease, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.”

This verse seems to describe the return of Christ since it has the same characteristics spoken about in Acts 1:9-11. To Christ is given this dominion, glory, and Kingdom. Where all peoples, nations, and languages will serve Him. A dominion without end and a Kingdom that will not be destroyed.

Dan 7:17-18 “‘These great beasts which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom, and they will take possession of the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’”

Starts with a reference to the earthly 4 kingdoms that come from the earth. Then in contrast speaks of God’s people. Which could be emphasizing the eternal over earthly aspect of God’s Kingdom. Then the saints of God receive the Kingdom and take possession of the Kingdom forever, forever and ever.

Daniel 7:24-27 “And as for the ten horns coming from it, from this kingdom ten kings will arise, and another will arise after them. And he will be different from the earlier ones, and he will subdue three kings. And he will speak words against the Most High, and he will wear out the holy ones of the Most High, and he will attempt to change times and law, and they will be given into his hand for a time and two times and half a time. Then the court will sit, and his dominion will be removed, to be eradicated and to be destroyed totally. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the nation of the holy ones of the Most High; his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey him.’”

We have greater clarification describe of the “little horn” that comes from the 10 horns.

Arises from and comes after the 4th Kingdom

Arises from and comes after the 10 Kings

Will be different from the 10 Kings

Subdues 3 kings

Speaks against God

Fights against the Saints of God

Changes or attempts to change times and law

Prevails over the Saints of God for a time, two times and a half of time.

Defeated and destroyed forever

After his defeat the Saints receive the Kingdoms under the whole heaven forever from God. Where the whole Earth serves and obeys the God

Dan 7:25, Dan 12:7 -

A time and times and a half of time, 3 1/2 years, 42 months, 1260 days. This time frame is repeated multiple times in reference to the time of the antichrist. From what I can remember (need to check on this) 1260 days is according to the Jewish calendar. If this time period was converted to our Gregorian calendar, we would get 1278 days.

Dan 7:25 Says that the saints shall be given into the hand of the lawless one.

Dan 12:7 Teaches that the timing will only be completely until the power of the saints are completely shattered. Then “all these things shall be finished”. Most likely referencing the completion of the the end times of Daniel.

Rev 11:2 Teaches that the Gentiles will trample Jerusalem for 42 months

Rev 12:6 That the “woman” will be sustained in the wilderness for 1260 days.

Rev 12:14 Again the woman will be fed when she is hidden from the serpent for a time and times and half a time.

Rev 13:5 Says that he will reign for 42 months.

Another text that supports this timing is Dan 9:27. A week being understood as 7 years and that week being cut in half would correlate to the 3 1/2 year period just mentioned. And again the same information we have learned repeated here. The end to the daily sacrifice and the abomination of desolation as a substitution (see LEB). Also we learn that it is a “covenant with many” that marks the beginning of this 7 years.

Dan 7:27 “And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the nation of the holy ones of the Most High; his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey him.’”

After the raise and fall of Antichrist. The courts are seated in Heaven and the Saints are given the kingdom under the whole heaven. Where all will obey and serve Christ.

Daniel 8:9-12 “And from one of them came forth a horn, a little one, and it grew exceedingly toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the beautiful land. And it grew up to the host of heaven, and it threw down to the ground some of the host and some of the stars and trampled them. Even against the prince of the hosts it acted arrogantly and took away from him the regular burnt offering, and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. And on account of transgression, the host was given over to the horn in addition to the regular burnt offering. And it cast down truth to the ground, and it acted, and it had success.”

Again more information of the little horn is provided.

Arises from the male goat

Arises from the four horns(kingdoms) at the end of their king

This “little horn” grows exceedingly to the south, east, and to the beautiful land

Grew up toward the host of heaven

Throws down some of the hosts and stars to the ground and tramples them

Acts arrogantly against the prince of the hosts

Takes away the regular burnt offering

Casts down truth

Has success for 2300 days

Daniel 8:23-25 “And at the end of their kingdom, when the transgressions are completed, a king will arise, fierce in countenance and skilled in riddles. And his power will grow, but not by his own power, and he will cause fearful destruction, and he will succeed and he will act, and he will destroy the mighty and the people of the holy ones. And by his planning he will make a success of deceit by his hand, and in his mind he will boast, and in their ease he will destroy many, and even against the prince of princes he will rise up, and he will be broken, but not by human hands.”

The most logical connection is to the “little horn”.

Arises as a king

Has a fierce countenance and skilled in riddles/intrigue

He will grow in power but in and of himself

He will destroy both the mighty and the Saints of God

He will boast in his heart

Goes against the Prince of princes

Is broken without human hands

Dan 8:24 & Dan 12:7 There is earthly power given to the lawless one over to the saints during this time period. So much so that he will completely shatter the power of the saints. We see the same kind of power given within Revelation. Rev 13:17 alluding to this holy war.

Dan 8:26 & Rev 22:10 The parallel with these verses seems to be a key understanding of eschatology. These verse are used together in tandem for the preterist position. And seem like a compelling argument.

(I would like to try and find other examples of this phrase in order to understand the contextual implications.)

Dan 9:24 ““Seventy weeks is decreed for your people and for your holy city, to put an end to the transgression and to seal up sin and to make atonement for guilt and to bring in everlasting righteousness and to seal vision and prophet and to anoint the most holy place.”

The 70th Week of Daniel points to a sealing up of vision and prophecy. This may allude to a proper understand of Rev 22:10. Daniel is told to seal up the vision for it refers to many days in the future Dan 8:26, 12:4, 12:9. While John is told not to seal up the prophecy for the time is at hand Rev 22:10. This is obviously a very strong argument for the preterist. But we have little references to this phrase throughout the text. Only 5 in total, what I have mentioned here. These all refer to sealing up or not sealing up, words of prophecy. And might represent a completion of the Scriptures rather then just a completion of end time events.

The prophecy outlines 6 major events for the 70th Week.

Finishing the transgression

Making an end of sins

Making reconciliation for iniquity

Bringing everlasting righteousness

A sealing up of vision and prophecy

The Anointing of the Most Holy or Most Holy Place.

Daniel 9:26-27 ““And after the sixty and two weeks an anointed one shall be cut off, and he shall have nothing, and the people of the coming leader will destroy the city and the sanctuary, and its end will be with the flood and on to the end there shall be war; these desolations are determined. And he will make a strong covenant with the many for one week, but in half of the week he will let cease sacrifice and offering and in its place a desolating abomination comes even until the determined complete destruction is poured out on the desolator.””

More information supplied of this “little horn”.

Is a coming leader

He will destroy the city and sanctuary with war

Makes a strong covenant with the many for one week

Breaks the covenant in the middle of the week

Ceases sacrifice and offering

Causes a desolating abomination

He is the desolator

Dan 9:27, 11:31, 12:11

The turning point or start of the great tribulation. I would argue that 2 Thess 2:3-4 has the clearest description of this event that correlates with Dan 11:36 exactly. We see in all three references in Daniel that this event is in tandem with the end to the daily sacrifice. But places it at the time of the end (Dan 11:35, 11:40, 12:4, 12:9). We see this confirmed in Matt 24:3, Mark 13:7.

Daniel 11:21-39 “And in his place a despicable person will arise on whom they have not conferred the majesty of the kingdom, and he will come in without warning and he will seize the kingdom by deceit. And before him mighty military forces will be utterly swept away, and they will be broken, and also the leader of the covenant. And after an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully, and he will rise and he will become powerful with few people backing him. In a time of ease and in the rich parts of the province, he will come and he will do what his predecessors did not do; he will distribute plunder and spoil and possessions to them, and he will devise his plans against fortifications, but only for a time. And he will stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south and with a much greater and stronger army; but he will not succeed, for they will devise plans against him. And those who eat of his royal rations will break him and his army will be overwhelmed, and many will fall, sla…”

The last section and the most information given for the little horn.

Arises from the King of the North linage

Despicable/vile person

Not conferred because of royalty but through deceit or intrigue receives the kingdom.

Defeats mighty military forces

Defeats the one whom he made a covenant with ( likely the peace treaty from Dan 8:11)

Acts deceitfully with the one he has an alliance with

Rises to power with few back him

Distributes spoils for a time

Attack the King of the South but fail

His heart turns against the holy covenant

Stops the daily sacrifice through his military

Establishes the abomination of desolation

Seduces/corrupts the Saints/Faithful Jews with flattery so that some fall

Those who resist him are killed by sword, by flame, captivity, and plunder for some time. They receive little help

Many join against the Saints/Faithful Jews

Some Saints/Faithful Jews fall in order for them to be refined by it.

Magnify himself above every god

Blaspheme the God of gods

Will prosper/succeed until a period

Show no respect for the gods of his ancestors

Show no desire/respect for women (god focus?)

Honors a god of fortresses

Gives power to those who acknowledge him

Redistributes land for price/gain