Untitled Sermon

Session 6 The Forerunner Message in

I. Introduction to the book of Daniel

A. The first section is historical (), highlighting six episodes in Daniel’s life : Dedication in his youth is seen in embracing a fasted lifestyle in Babylon : Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream and Daniel receiving the word of Lord in crisis : Being faithful witnesses in the face of death and deliverance from the fiery furnace : Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream calls leaders to righteousness : Belshazzar’s feast – the sudden downfall of powerful nations (fall of Babylon) : Daniel in the lion’s den – supernatural deliverance of believers in persecution.

B. The second section is prophetic (), highlighting four visions about the end times. : A vision of four world empires in history and the little horn (Antichrist) : A vision of a ram, goat, and little horn (Antiochus/Antichrist) persecuting Israel. : A vision of Gabriel and the 70-weeks prophecy of Israel’s trouble and salvation : A vision of Israel’s persecution (Antiochus/Antichrist) and final restoration

C. In 603 BC, the Lord revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statute to Daniel in a night vision (2:19), and gave Daniel insight into four world empires that the statue represented. In 553 BC, 50 years later, Daniel received a vision () that elaborated on the four world empires that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his prophetic (). If Daniel was about 20 when he received insight into Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, then he was about 70 when he had the vision recorded in .

D. Outline for

7:1-8 Daniel’s vision: four beasts symbolizing four world empires

7:9-14 God’s sovereign leadership over the Antichrist

7:9-10 God enthroned in majesty

7:11-12 Destruction of the Antichrist

7:13-14 Jesus’ heavenly coronation as King over all nations

7:15-28 An angel’s interpretation of the vision 7:15-18 Victory is assured 7:19-22 Prepared to rule through martyrdom 7:23-27 The fourth beast, 10 horns, and the little horn 7:28 Daniel’s response

E. is one of the most significant passages to help the Church understand the unique dynamics at the end of the age. It describes the fierceness of the Antichrist empire, how it will persecute God’s people with intensity, and how Jesus will intervene as the Son of Man to destroy it and lead the saints to victory and to reign over the nations with Him.

F. In , we see that God chose to use four world empires as the context to send the Messiah and to bring Israel to salvation and prepare them for world leadership, while purifying His Church and establishing His kingdom on earth. reveals the sure victory and the intensity of the battle that Israel and the Church will face in the end times as they stand against the Antichrist.

1. This historical plan was set in motion by the Lord about 2,500 years ago when He raised up Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to discipline Israel.

2. The Lord selected four world empires that would set in motion many political, spiritual, social, economic dynamics over 2,500 years that would create the optimum context for the end-time harvest, Israel’s salvation, and the purifying of the Church and for Jesus to return to rule all nations and fill them with the glory of God.

II. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue ()

A. Nebuchadnezzar saw four kingdoms represented by precious metals in a statue of a “glorious man” (2:31-45). He saw these four kingdoms from man’s perspective—as glorious, like gold and silver. Daniel referred to four world empires who were successively the “super power” of their day.

19Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision…31“You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image…whose splendor was excellent…and its form was awesome. 32This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet…35The iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together…the stone …became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” (, )

1. Head of gold: This represents the Babylonian Empire (606-539 BC).

2. Chest and arms of silver: This represents the Medo-Persian Empire (539-331 BC).

3. Belly and thighs of bronze: This represent the Greek Empire (331-146 BC).

4. Legs, feet, and toes of iron and clay: This represent the Antichrist’s empire, as foreshadowed by the Roman Empire (146 BC-AD 1453).

B. Stone cut without hands: A stone was cut out of the mountain by God’s invisible hands.

C. Crushed together: The Lord’s stone crushed the feet—indicating the time of the Antichrist empire. It is important to note that all four world empires are described as all “crushed together.” Historically, the kingdom of Babylon was defeated by Persia, and then later Persia was defeated by Greece, and the Greeks were conquered by the Romans. How could they all be destroyed together? The evil expressed in all each of the four empires will come to fullness in the Antichrist’s empire.

D. The two legs represent aspects of the Antichrist’s empire foreshadowed by the two divisions of the Roman Empire—the western (146 BC-AD 476) and the eastern divisions (AD 330-AD 1453). The 10 toes are parallel to the 10 horns in the vision, representing the 10-nation confederation under the Antichrist (; , , ; ; ; , , , ).

41“You saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron; the kingdom shall be divided…42And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.” ()

E. The stone that struck the image speaks of Jesus and His eternal kingdom (2:35, 44-45). The stone being cut without hands means that it has a divine origin. The stone will consume all the other kingdoms and shall stand forever (2:44). Jesus will do to these kingdoms—break them into pieces—what they as a “composite” kingdom did to others under the Antichrist (, , ; cf. ).

44“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed…it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold…” ()

1. In the days of the kings: This will happen at a time when all four of empires are together.

2. Consume all these kingdoms: About 50 years later, Daniel saw all four of these kingdoms as present in the Antichrist’s empire (). The power and wickedness that was seen in each of these four kingdoms will culminate under one world leader.

3. Set up a kingdom: This is a reference to the millennial kingdom being established at the Jesus’ second coming, resulting in His kingdom being fully manifested openly for all to see.

III. Daniel’s vision of the four beasts ()

A. Daniel saw four winds stirring the Mediterranean Sea, bringing upheaval to the nations (7:1-3). Daniel had a vision of four wild beasts 50 years after he saw the four parts of the statute in .

1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon [553 BC], Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts. 2Daniel spoke, saying, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven [angelic and demonic activity] were stirring up the Great Sea [Mediterranean]. 3And four great beasts [world empires] came up from the sea, each different from the other.” ()

1. The first year: Belshazzar’s reign over Babylon began in 553 BC, 15 years before Israel was freed from Babylon (538 BC). This vision gave Israel hope in the midst of their suffering as captives in Babylon. Daniel was about 70 years old when he had this vision.

2. Daniel had a dream: He had visions in his head while on his bed at night. He wrote down the dream, giving only the main facts.

3. Great Sea: Scripture describes the Mediterranean Sea as the Great Sea (; ; ; , ; ). The empires that are highlighted in this vision include nations near the Mediterranean Sea—nations in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. The Lord wants the epicenter of the end-time conflict and the unprecedented release of His glory to be expressed in the Middle East.

4. Four winds of heaven: These winds symbolize spiritual forces, both angelic and demonic, that stirred up the nations. This represents God’s orchestration of history, appointing various nations to rise and fall to set the context for His kingdom purposes to come to pass at the end of the age.

B. Four great beasts: Daniel saw four wild animals—each represented an ancient empire in the Mediterranean region that would persecute Israel and cause great turmoil in the region.

1. The four beasts of speak of the same four kingdoms as seen in the four parts of the statue in . These four kingdoms will emerge again in the end-time conflict; they include Iraq (Babylon), Iran (Persia), Eastern Europe (Greece), and the Antichrist’s empire with a 10-nation confederation (includes parts of the western and eastern divisions of the ancient Roman Empire).

2. The first three beasts (7:4-6)

a. First beast: Babylonian Empire (606-539 BC) – Iraq (7:4)

b. Second beast: Persian Empire (539-331 BC) – Iran (7:5)

c. Third beast: Greek Empire (331-146 BC) – Greece (7:6)

3. Fourth beast: Antichrist’s empire, foreshadowed by the Roman Empire (7:7-8)

a. Roman Empire’s western and eastern divisions (146 BC–AD 1453)

b. Antichrist’s empire with a 10-king confederation

4. Nebuchadnezzar saw these four kingdoms from man’s perspective—as glorious (2:31-45). Daniel saw them from God’s perspective—as wild beasts that devour all who are in their path.

C. First beast: A lion with eagle’s wings refers to the Babylonian Empire, 605-539 BC (7:4). Both the lion (; ; , ) and the eagle (; ; ; ) are used in the Scripture to describe the Babylonian Empire.

4“The first [Babylon] was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.” ()

1. Like a lion: This speaks of being strong, majestic, and courageous.

2. Had eagle’s wings: This speaks of military speed.

3. Its wings were plucked off: This speaks of being humbled.

4. A man’s heart was given to it: This speaks of being domesticated.

5. It was made to stand: This speaks of standing like a man, instead of like a lion; the lion cannot attack or devour others when standing on two feet.

6. The references to the wings being plucked off, being made to stand on two feet like a man, and being given a man’s heart, are reflected in Nebuchadnezzar’s experience in .

D. Second beast: A bear with ribs in its mouth refers to the Persian Empire, 539-331 BC (7:5).

5“Another beast [Medo-Persia], a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’” ()

1. A bear: Medo-Persia was like a fierce bear, with slow but steady military progress. The bear, after the lion, was the second most dreaded predator in that region at that time. The bear was larger and more cumbersome than the lion, yet had great strength.

2. One side: It was raised up on one side. This speaks of the Persian dominance over Media.

a. The beast raised on one side represented the greater strength of Persia; it coincides with the two-horned ram of , whose one horn was larger than the other.

b. In 550 BC, Cyrus the Great conquered the Medes, and Persia took control of the empire.

3. Three ribs: The three ribs in its mouth represented the three major kingdoms it conquered as it rose to power: Lydia (546 BC), Babylon (539 BC), and Egypt (525 BC).

4. Arise, devour much flesh: God mandated that Persia should arise and conquer more nations.

E. Third beast: A leopard with four wings refers to the Greek Empire, 331-146 BC (7:6).

6“I looked, and there was another [Greece], like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.” ()

1. Like a leopard: Greece was fierce, agile, fast, and cunning. The leopard is known for its quickness and its cunning.

2. Four wings: Having four wings of a bird speaks of its amazing speed in military conquest.

3. Four heads: After the death of Alexander the Great, four of his generals divided up his kingdom into four separate kingdoms. This parallels the four notable horns of .

4. Dominion: This spoke of the Greek government and culture pervading the ancient world. The conquered nations were also won over to the Greek language and way of life.

F. Fourth Beast: This refers to the Antichrist, who is foreshadowed by the Roman Empire (7:7-8). This beast has three stages—the ancient empire (146 BC-AD 1453); an end-time confederation made up of 10 kings, and the Antichrist’s dictatorship ruling over the 10-nation confederation. is one of the most concise descriptions of the Antichrist empire’s the reign of terror.

7“Behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.” ()

23“…The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall…shall devour the whole earth…24The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom… ()

1. It had 10 horns: A 10-nation confederation will align with the Antichrist (). The 10 end-time nations are symbolized here by 10 horns; in they are seen as 10 toes (2:41-42; 7:7, 20, 24; ; ; , , , ).

12“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings…” ()

2. Dreadful: The actions and words of the Antichrist will cause the nations of the earth to be filled with dread and be terrified of him and his leadership.

3. Terrible: The Antichrist’s cruel and demonic plans will be inspired by Satan himself.

4. Strong: The Antichrist will be supernaturally empowered by Satan along with having the resources of many nations (their people, military, economics, technology, etc.).

5. Daniel described how dreadful, terrible and strong the Antichrist’s kingdom will be (7:7).

It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue…” ()

23“..The fourth beast…shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. ()

a. Iron teeth: This speaks of the ability to devour anything—unstoppable. The huge, massive teeth emphasize its overwhelmingly destructive power.

b. Devouring: He will devour or take for himself the resources of families and nations. He will seize and utterly consume for his own purposes any resource, building, property that he wants—without any regard for the losses that others will suffer.

c. Breaking in pieces: He will break into pieces all who resist him

d. Trampling the residue with its feet: He will trample a nation after he defeats it. He will trample everything not destroyed in his hostile military takeovers without showing mercy toward those he conquers. In other words, he will be ruthless.

G. It was different: The Antichrist’s empire will be totally unique, being energized by Satan (). It will function in a new order of evil, cruelty, and supernatural power.

2The dragon [Satan] gave him [Antichrist] his power, his throne, and great authority. 13He performs great signs…he even makes fire come down from heaven (, )

a. The Antichrist is the only man who ascends out of the bottomless pit ().

8The beast [the Antichrist]…will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. ()

7…“It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.” ()

b. Daniel emphasized four times that the Antichrist was different from all other kingdoms (7:7, 19, 23, 24).

19“…the fourth beast, which was different from all the others…” ()

23“…The fourth beast…shall be different from all other kingdoms…24The ten horns are ten kings…another shall rise…he shall be different from the first ones… ()

H. Notice five prophetic signs that will be recognizable to God’s people in the end times (7:8).

8“I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” ()

1. Sign #1—Little horn: It speaks of a political leader who starts out “little,” or with a small sphere of authority and influence, as a seemingly insignificant regional leader. The fact that the little horn is mentioned four times (7:8, 11, 20, 21) tells us how important this detail is.

a. Hitler is an example from recent history of a leader who started out as a “little horn,” an insignificant regional leader who became a “big horn,” a major world leader. In 1928 he ran for political office in Germany and received only 2% of the vote. Then, within five years, he became chancellor of Germany, in 1933. His rise to power came suddenly.

b. The little horn is the Beast of Revelation and the man of sin in Paul’s teaching (). The little horn of is the same little horn of and is the despicable person of . He is also the wicked prince who will take away the sacrifice in the temple (8:11; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; ).

2. Sign #2—Coming up among them: The Antichrist will first come up “among them” (7:8) as a peer; then he will “arise after them” (7:24) and seize control of the 10-nation confederation.

3. Sign #3—Three horns plucked out: Three of the first horns (kings) will be plucked out by the roots or killed in a violent overthrow led by the Antichrist (7:7, 20, 24). This is part of how he will seize control of the 10-nation confederation and enter the world stage as a leader. When these three world leaders are killed, the Church will see it as a prophetic sign of the times.

4. Sign #4—Eyes like a man: Having eyes “like a man” speaks of possessing great intelligence pertaining to things that will amaze and please men. This will give him great credibility.

a. To have “eyes like a man” includes his ability to present the knowledge of his plans for in a way that will be “appealing to people.”

b. He will have plans that will initially bring prosperity and peace to many nations. He will bring solutions to international problems and succeed at negotiating to make peace.

5. Sign #5—Mouth speaking pompous words: The Antichrist will speak pompous, arrogant words. These arrogant words will create great excitement (false promises) and fear (threats). His pompous or arrogant words are emphasized four times in this vision (7:8, 11, 20, 25).

8“In this horn [was]…a mouth speaking pompous words.” ()

a. He shall speak of “great things”—things so unique and extraordinary, as well as new things never heard of before ().

5He was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies…6he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name… ()

b. He shall speak blasphemies against God (11:36; ) as he claims things about himself and declares things against God that will be shocking ().

IV. Three stages of the fourth beast

A. This beast has three stages: the ancient empire (146 BC-AD 1453); the end-time confederation made up of 10 kings, and the Antichrist’s dictatorship ruling over the 10-nation confederation.

B. Ancient Roman Empire: This includes the western (146 BC-AD 476) and eastern (AD 330-1453) divisions of the empire. The Eastern Roman Empire, called the Byzantine Empire, lasted for 1,000 years after the fall of the city of Rome and the Western Roman Empire. The Byzantine Empire was started by Constantine in AD 330, when the capital moved from Rome to Byzantium, renamed as Constantinople or Nova Roma (New Rome), now Istanbul, Turkey.

1. The Roman Empire did not end in AD 476, but continued until 1453 in its eastern division; from this we see that the Antichrist’s empire will have historic roots in Islamic nations. The eastern Roman Empire covered part of the Middle East. In 1453, the Eastern Roman Empire fell to the Ottoman Empire, with its dominant Islamic rule and culture.

2. The Antichrist will be associated with the geographic territory and people groups once in the eastern division of the Roman Empire (8:9). This overlaps with the region where Antiochus ruled the Seleucid Empire—this includes Syria and parts of Turkey and Babylon (Iraq), etc.

C. 10-nation confederation: An end-time empire will arise that will initially be under 10 kings geographically and ethnically; it will cover geographic areas that include parts of the eastern and western divisions of the ancient Roman Empire.

1. Ten kings will arise out of “this kingdom”—they will operate together and even rise up from an identifiable kingdom that precedes them. It will be “their kingdom” for a season before the Antichrist takes control of it and makes it his kingdom.

24“The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom.” ()

2. The 10 kings will come into unity as “one kingdom” that will include much more than an economic treaty. It will result in the strongest power base with more people, money, natural resources, military power, and technology than any other kingdom in history. They will give their kingdom to the Antichrist, which will allow him to rule over them.

12“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings…17God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast…” ()

D. The dictatorship of the Antichrist: The Antichrist will “arise after” the 10-nation confederation is in power. He will arise to subdue or remove three kings (7:24), leading a violent overthrow of the government to seize control of the 10-nation confederation by having three of the kings killed.

24“…another [Antichrist] shall rise after them [the 10 kings]; he shall be different…” ()

V. God’s Sovereign Leadership Over the Antichrist ()

A. Immediately after Daniel saw the terrible beast—the Antichrist’s empire (7:7-8)—he saw a vision of the Father sitting on His throne in majestic glory (7:9-10), the defeat of the Antichrist (7:11-12), the exaltation of Jesus as king over all the earth (7:13-14), and the triumph of saints (7:22, 27).

9“I watched…and the Ancient of Days [the Father] was seated…” ()

1. The way to overcome fear of the Antichrist is to grow in the understanding of the sovereignty and beauty of God on His throne. No aspect of God’s grace transforms and satisfies our heart more than when the Holy Spirit reveals the majesty of God to the human heart.

2. I don’t want to only serve Him; I want to be obsessed with His magnificence—to experience the power and pleasure of being obsessed with Jesus. This equips us to overcome temptation, endure persecution, and engage in partnership with Him in His plans.

B. Daniel saw that the saints were “given” into the Antichrist’s hand by God (7:25). The Lord will allow the Antichrist to have great authority for 3½ years to bring the earth to a place of decision for love and righteousness or for hatred and unrighteousness ().

25“He…shall persecute the saints…the saints shall be given into his hand…” ()

C. One of the most offensive truths to our natural mind is that God raises up evil leaders to discipline the nations and His people. He will use the Antichrist to accomplish His divine purpose.

D. God’s sovereign plan, Satan’s rage, and the sinful choices of people are all involved in the Antichrist’s reign of terror.

28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God… ()

E. All authority belongs to Jesus (; ). God sets governmental leaders in place to serve His purposes (; ; ).

18“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” ()

1There is no authority except from God…the authorities that exist are appointed by God… 4He is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. (, )

1. God raised up Pharaoh in Moses’ day allowing this wicked king to be the most powerful man in the world (; ).

17The Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” ()

2. The Lord called the wicked Nebuchadnezzar “His servant” whom He raised up to discipline Israel in 586 BC (, ; ; ; ; ).

3. He raised up evil Assyrian kings such as Shalmaneser and Sargon (721 BC) and Sennacherib to (701 BC) to discipline Israel by military invasions (; )

4. He raised up wicked Persian kings to judge Babylon ().

VI. Vision of the throne: God’s Leadership over the nations ()

A. Daniel saw the sovereign Lord seated in His heavenly court, and the books were opened (7:9-10).

9“I watched…and the Ancient of Days [the Father] was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; 10a fiery stream [river; NAS] issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him…The court was seated, and the books were opened.” ()

B. Ancient of Days: This name depicts the Father’s eternal nature as the One who establishes His plans from the perspective of eternity. This name is used three times in the Bible—all in .

1. Ancient of Days points to the Father’s eternal nature. We cannot understand the intensity of evil and suffering in God’s end-time plan until we see the magnitude of glory for which He is preparing His people. He establishes His plans with eternity in view.

2. The focus of many in the body of Christ today is not on God’s eternal plans for His people. Their focus is mostly on receiving the gospel as a way to gain more money, friends, comfort, honor, and ministry influence by relating to Jesus and believing His promises.

C. White as snow: God’s garments and hair are as white as snow. His garments speak of His deeds; His head speaks of His wisdom and purity in governing. All the Father’s thoughts, actions, and plans are totally pure and perfectly wise. Jesus also appeared with white hair ().

D. His throne: God’s throne is the governmental center of the created order, guaranteeing that His plans will come to pass. His throne is a main theme in the book of Revelation, referred to forty times, with seven throne scenes (; ; ; ; ; ; ). God’s throne is the place of greatest fascination, intimacy, celebration, safety, and protection.

E. A fiery flame: Holy fire engulfs God’s throne and flows from it like a river. The burning bush that Moses saw on the Mt. Sinai was only a small token of the blazing fire that flows from God’s throne.

F. A fiery stream: A river of fire (7:10, NAS) comes from the throne, and a sea of glass mingled with fire is before the throne. The saints gather together on the sea of glass in God’s fire ().

2I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast…standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. ()

G. Seated: The Father sits in total confidence and security. None can successfully challenge Him. No demonic or human force can prevail against the awesome power of God’s throne.

H. The books were opened: God’s books contain a detailed account of every believer and unbeliever (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; , ; ). Here the words and deeds of the Antichrist (little horn) are under review (7:11-12). The pompous words of the Antichrist (7:8) bring a strong response from God’s court in heaven.

1. The Lord has the last word on every nation and person.

2. All of God’s enemies will stand before His throne (), the place of greatest danger for His enemies. Divine decrees go forth from there to punish evil ().

11I saw a great white throne…12I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God… the dead were judged according to their works…15Anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. ()

I. Thrones were put in place: Even now the elders sit on thrones before the Father ().

4Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders… ()

J. The court was seated: Daniel saw God’s court in session (7:9, 10, 26) with the Judge seated to evaluate the nations. In the midst of chaos on earth is the all-powerful throne of God. The heavenly court administrates God’s decrees concerning the earth. History is not spiraling out of control. The court will be in session as the Antichrist rages against God’s people during the Great Tribulation.

K. Around the throne is God’s royal court. It is the place of majesty, strength, beauty, power, etc. John’s vision of the throne in expands on what God showed Daniel.

6Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. ()

VII. THE Destruction of the Antichrist ()

A. God decreed that the Antichrist and his empire be destroyed at Jesus’ second coming (7:11-12). The Antichrist’s pompous words and arrogant claims will be heard in God’s court leading to decrees of judgment issued against him. Daniel emphasized his arrogant words four times (7:8, 11, 20, 25).

11…the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast [Antichrist] was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. 12As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. ()

1. The Lord will hear the Antichrist’s pompous words and will destroy him with fire (7:11).

2. The prophetic praying church must declare the message in 7:11—that the Antichrist will be destroyed by the fire of God. He will be cast into the lake of fire.

3. Daniel described the Antichrist’s judgment four times, prophesying that he will be consumed, destroyed, and broken without human means (by divine intervention), and that no military alliance will be able to help him, or rescue him from God’s judgment (7:11, 26; 8:25; 11:45).

4. God’s answer to the Antichrist’s empire is to seat the heavenly court for judgment and put the Son of Man in place to judge the Antichrist and the nations. This highlights how personal the judgment of this beast is to God. He does not send an invading army that gradually conquers him. Instead He personally, suddenly, and completely judges the final beast—the Antichrist.

5. This beast is unique in the way it challenges God; therefore it faces a unique judgement. The Lord will judge the Antichrist suddenly and decisively. He will not leave that task to the armies of men because this beast is something more than a man.

B. Slain: Daniel described the Antichrist as being slain, destroyed, and consumed (, ). This may refer to the destruction of his natural body “before” he is thrown alive in the lake of fire in his resurrected body as the first man to experience the second death (; ; ).

26But the court… shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it [his dominion] forever. ()

1. Paul described the Antichrist’s defeat using the same verbs as Daniel—consume and destroy.

8The lawless one [Antichrist] will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. ()

2. John saw the Antichrist being captured and “slain” by throwing his body into the lake of fire.

20The beast was captured, and…cast alive into the lake of fire… ()

3. Daniel spoke of the Antichrist coming to his end in proximity to Jerusalem ().

45And he [the Antichrist] shall plant…his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain [Jerusalem]; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him. ()

4. Ezekiel prophesied Gog’s burial place in Israel, perhaps referring to the burial of Gog’s army or “the death of his composite empire,” not the burial of the Antichrist himself ().

11“…in that day that I will give Gog a burial place there in Israel…” ()

C. The rest of the beasts: This speaks of the people and territory of the former three-beast kingdoms. The Antichrist’s kingdom will incorporate the evil of all four kingdoms that will come to fullness and find expression in his global empire. The demonic elements of the four empires will be fully expressed in the Antichrist’s empire. The Antichrist beast kingdom is the “composite beast” in which the former beast kingdoms will culminate and find expression and continue to “live on.”

12As for the rest of the beasts…their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. ()

1. The former beast kingdoms will “live on” in the future Antichrist beast kingdom. Therefore, he is more than a beast, but is the beast that incorporates all the former beast kingdoms, including the evil spirits, territory, and ethnicity of the four former kingdoms.

2. The Antichrist could be from both the third and fourth beast kingdoms (7:7-8; 8:9; ).

2Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard [Greece], his feet were like the feet of a bear [Persia], and his mouth like the mouth of a lion [Babylon]. ()

D. Their lives were prolonged: The national identity and lives of the people in the regions of the former three kingdoms will be temporarily prolonged. The Antichrist’s death will not immediately end the lives of the beasts, but it will result in removing their political authority.

1. The demonic power behind the rest of these “beast kingdoms” is connected to the Satan who will be thrown in prison (), whereas the Antichrist will be thrown alive into the lake of fire at that time (). Therefore, during the thousand years of the Millennium, Satan is neither on earth nor has he been thrown in the lake of fire for this final judgment.

2. The thousand-year reign of Christ is the time when the rest of the beasts have “their dominion taken away,” but their lives were “prolonged for a season and a time” (7:12).

3. At the end of the thousand years, Satan is released () to deceive the nations or “the rest of the beasts” into attacking Jerusalem (20:7-8). It is at this time that their “prolonged national lives” are destroyed by Jesus (20:9- 10) and is when Satan is finally thrown into the lake of fire ().

VIII. Jesus’ heavenly coronation as King over all nations ()

A. Daniel saw the coronation of Jesus as King of kings with dominion over all the nations (7:13-14). Daniel must have been shocked to see a human standing near to the Ancient of Days.

13Behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. 14Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion…and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed. ()

1. The Father’s plan is to give all the kingdoms of this world to a Man—His Son ().

15And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” ()

2. Jesus’ dominion is seen openly in part in this age and in fullness in the Millennium.

3. IHOPKC holds to the historic premillennial view of the end times, with a post-tribulation rapture, emphasizing a victorious, praying Church (; ; ).

B. Son of Man: Jesus will come to the earth on heavenly clouds and will be seen by every person (; ; ; ; ).

30…the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power… ()

7Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him… ()

1. Jesus used this term over sixty-five times to describe Himself. He identified Himself as the Son of Man of who sits at the right hand of God and will return to the earth on clouds of heaven. (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ).

2. Jesus will return to earth on clouds (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; cf. ; ; ). Jesus will make a spectacular reentry to the earth on clouds of glory for all to see. Transportation in heaven occurs sometimes by the use of clouds. God is described as visiting the earth on clouds (cf. ; , ; ; ; ; ; ; etc.).

14I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown and in His hand a sharp sickle. ()

9…He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10… as He went up, behold, two men…11said, “Men of Galilee…this same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” ()

3. I highly recommend Samuel Whitefield’s paper on Jesus as the Son of Man.

C. Jesus will rule all the nations from a throne of glory () in Jerusalem ().

31When the Son of Man comes in His glory…then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them… ()

17“At that time Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of the Lord, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem. ()

D. Commissioned as King of kings: To this Man was given dominion over all the nations on earth. All peoples, nations, and languages will serve and love Him.

11Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. ()

E. To Him was given dominion: The end-time Church will declare that Jesus’ dominion is everlasting; they will declare this in the face of the Antichrist’s false promises of his own global dominion.

F. The Father gave Jesus an unprecedented measure of favor in seven spheres of leadership over the earth. Jesus receives this from the Father and from the response of people on the millennial earth.

11I heard the voice of many angels…12saying…“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” ()

G. In the Millennium, Jesus will receive the fruit of all power (political/spiritual), riches (money and natural resources), wisdom (insight and intellectual property), strength (physical strength, including the labor force and human resources), glory (praise and love), honor (all will esteem Him by their obedience), and blessing (agreement with His policies with unified cooperation).

H. describes Jesus’ destiny on the earth as a man—He is fully God and fully man. Because of His obedience to death, God highly exalted Him in heaven and on earth (). His exaltation is manifested fully in heaven, in part on earth now, and in fullness in the Millennium.

9…God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth… ()

IX. The Rise and Fall of the Antichrist ()

A. Daniel saw the defeat of the Antichrist (7:11-12) and the triumph of the Son of Man (7:13-14), yet he was still troubled by what he saw (7:15, 28). explains why he was so troubled.

15“I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 16I came near to one [an angel] …and asked him the truth [implications]of all this…19I wished to know the truth [implications] about the fourth beast…exceedingly dreadful…” ()

1. Daniel was grieved and troubled (7:15, 28) by what he saw in the vision that he had just described in 7:1-14. He was grieved, troubled, and perplexed about the implications of the vision. If we are not troubled by what Daniel shared about the Antichrist, then it means that we have not yet understood what he saw.

B. Grieved: What pained him most was the fourth beast who was dreadful, terrible, and exceedingly strong (7:7). He saw the intensity of the violence, cruelty, and power of the Antichrist’s empire (, ; ; , ).

C. Daniel asked an angel for understanding of the vision (7:16, 19). The angel gave his interpretation to Daniel in three parts (7:17-27).

1. The first part of the angel’s interpretation focused on four “beast kingdoms” and gave assurance that the saints will be victorious (7:17-18).

2. In the second part, he asked to understand the implications of the fourth beast, the 10 horns, and the little horn (7:19-20). The angel showed him the saints being persecuted (7:21-22).

3. In the third part of the angel’s interpretation, he elaborated on the fourth beast (7:23), the 10 horns (7:24a), the little horn (7:24b-25), and the victory of the saints (7:26-27).

D. Note the aspects of the vision that are emphasized by being mentioned several times—the beast will be “different” (4x—7:7, 19, 23, 24) and “pompous” (4x—7:8, 11, 20, 25). It will be “dreadful, strong, terrible,” as it “devours” nations (7:7, 19, 23). There will be “10 horns” (3x—7:7, 20, 24) and three will be killed (3x)—“plucked out” (7:8), “fell” (7:20) or “subdued” (7:24).

X. first Question: Victory Assured ()

A. Daniel’s first question (7:16): He asked to know the truth or the full implications of the vision. “These things” speak of the four beasts (7:1-8) and especially the dreadful fourth beast (7:7-8).

16“I came near to one…[an angel], and asked him the truth [implications] of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things.” ()

B. The first part of the angel’s interpretation focused on the four beasts (7:17) and the sure victory of the saints who will possess the kingdom forever (7:18).

1. The angel said that the four beasts are four kings (7:17) and are also kingdoms (7:23). The four kings are more than individual kings. They represent empires.

17“‘Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth…’ 23Thus he [angel] said: ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth…’” (, )

2. These kingdoms arise out of the earth (7:17) as well as come up from the sea (7:3). The False Prophet “comes out of the earth” (), while the Antichrist “rises up out of the sea” ().

C. The victory of the saints is assured (7:18). The saints will replace the wicked rulers ruling the earth. One of most important prophetic declarations in the lips of the prophetic church is that the saints will possess the kingdom and rule the earth forever.

18But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom, forever…” ()

D. The saints will govern every area of society during the Millennium and will reign on the earth forever. Seeing our eternal reign with Jesus affects our view of our labors and sacrifice in this age.

10…and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. ()

4And I saw thrones, and they sat on them…and reigned with Christ for a thousand years… 6…they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. ()

XI. second question: fourth beast, 10 horns, and another horn ()

A. Daniel’s second question (7:19-20) focused on wanting to know the truth, or the full implications, about the fourth beast, especially why it was so different and dreadful, and what the consequences for Israel would be (7:19). Next, he asked about the 10 horns, and the other horn (7:20).

19“I wished to know the truth [implications] about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; 20and the ten horns that were on its head [10 nation confederation], and the other horn [Antichrist] which came up, before which three fell [three kings killed], namely, that horn which had eyes [supernatural intelligence] and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.” ()

B. A fourth beast: Earlier, he had said similar things of the fourth beast, the 10 horns, and the other horn (7:7-8).

7“A fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces…It was different [unique] from all the beasts…it had ten horns… 8there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were [killed] plucked out by the roots. There, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” ()

1. Later he said similar things of the fourth beast, the 10 horns, and the other horn (7:23-24).

23“…The fourth beast…shall be different [unique] from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.’” 24“The ten horns are ten kings …another shall rise after them [Antichrist]; he shall…subdue [kill] three kings.” ()

2. Different: The Antichrist empire is unique in being energized by demonic power (). It will function in a new order of evil, cruelty, and supernatural power. Daniel emphasized four times that the Antichrist kingdom is different from all other kingdoms (7:7, 19, 23, 24).

3. Exceedingly dreadful: Earlier, Daniel described it as dreadful, terrible, and exceedingly strong (7:7). He was deeply troubled by the terror of this beast (7:15). Its huge, massive teeth emphasize its overwhelming, destructive power.

4. Trampled the residue: This speaks of continuing to trample a nation after it is defeated. The Antichrist will show no mercy towards those he conquers; he is ruthless and cruel and will crush and trample everything that was not initially destroyed in the hostile military takeover.

5. The other horn: This horn is the Antichrist who was initially described as the little horn (7:8). The Antichrist will be a political leader who starts “little,” or with a small sphere of authority.

6. 10 horns: The 10 horns symbolize 10 nations (7:7, 20, 24; ; ; , , , ). A 10-nation confederation will align with the Antichrist in the end times.

24The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. ()

7. Which came up: The Antichrist will first come up “among them” (7:8) as a peer, then he will “arise after them” (7:24).

C. Before which three fell: Three kings will be killed by the Antichrist (7:7, 20, 24). These three kings are described as being “plucked out” by the roots (7:7), as those who “fell before” the little horn (7:20), and were “subdued” by him (7:24). The Antichrist will lead a violent overthrow of the government, demanding the full control of the 10-nation confederation.

1. The horn which had eyes: Earlier Daniel described it as having eyes like a man (7:7). This speaks of his great intelligence that will appeal to humanity—its pride, dignity, needs etc.

2. A mouth which spoke pompous words: The Antichrist will speak pompous or arrogant words. His arrogant words will create fear (threats) and/or excitement (false promises) in the nations.

3. Appearance was greater than his fellows: Daniel did not mention this in verse 8. The way he appears or presents himself to nations will be more glorious and powerful than any other man.

4. On its head: The ten horns were on the head of the fourth beast (7:20).

D. In a short vision, Daniel saw that the Antichrist would be permitted to kill the saints (7:21), but then he was assured of the final victory of the saints (7:22).

21“I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, 22until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” ()

1. The angel addressed a twofold offense about the end times: why will God raise up evil leaders and why will He let them prevail in persecuting God’s people?

2. Making war against the saints: Jesus said that the saints would be hated in all nations.

9“They will…kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” ()

3. Prevailing against the saints: This speaks of martyrdom.

25“He shall…shall persecute the saints of the Most High…The saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time [3½ years].” ()

4. The Antichrist will overcome the saints physically in martyrdom (), but they will overcome him spiritually by loving Jesus even unto death ().

7It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. ()

11“And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” ()

5. The principle of judgment: God uses the least severe means to bring the greatest numbers to salvation at the deepest levels of love without violating anyone’s free will in training the future governors of the earth (; ; ; ). God’s judgments will remove all that hinders love in the Church and in Israel.

6. Until a judgment was made in favor of the saints: The Ancient of Days has decreed the time in which there will be a sudden reversal of the persecution of the saints. The saints will boldly proclaim this coming victory, while those in the Antichrist’s empire will surely mock it.

7. In this first vision in 553 BC, the Lord showed Daniel the suffering to come but did not give Daniel the reason for it until seventeen years later in the last vision () in 536 BC. God will use this time of suffering to purify the saints and to prepare them both to overcome everything that hinders love and to partner with the Son of Man in ruling the earth (7:27).

35“Some of those of understanding shall fall [martyrdom], to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end…” ()

10“Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” ()

8. The time came: At the perfect time the Father will suddenly reverse things (7:22). The Father knows the amount of time needed for the combination of persecution and the manifestation of His glory on the end-time Church to bring it to full maturity and to bring Israel to salvation (; ; ; ; ).

XII. Interpretation of the fourth beast, 10 horns, and the Horn ()

A. The angel answered Daniel’s second question by showing him a perplexing vision (7:21-22) and giving him more information (7:23-27) about the fourth beast (7:23), the 10 horns (7:24a), and the other horn—the Antichrist (7:24b-25)—and his sure destruction (7:26).

B. Fourth beast: The fourth beast will be a kingdom that is different from all other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth. The final stage of the fourth beast is the Antichrist’s world empire.

23“Thus he [angel] said: ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different [unique] from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.’” ()

C. The 10 horns: The 10 horns represent 10 kings who will form a 10-nation confederation (7:7, 20, 24; ; ; , , , ). Daniel saw the 10 horns as being “on” the beast’s head (7:20).

24“The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them [Antichrist]; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue [kill] three kings.” ()

1. Shall arise from this kingdom: 10 kings in the end times will arise from the fourth beast— the same region and/or people groups associated with the ancient Roman Empire, both its east and west divisions, including various European and Middle Eastern nations and peoples. The ten horns were on the head of the fourth beast (7:20).

a. Ezekiel set his face and prophesied against Gog—the Antichrist (38:1-3)

2“Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him…” ()

b. The land of Magog: Magog is the name of a people or nation (38:2; 39:6). The land of Magog is Gog’s home country. Magog is probably a reference to western Turkey.

c. Meshech and Tubal: Many scholars identify this area as referring to territory mostly in modern-day Turkey, yet possibly reaching into parts of Syria, Armenia, or southern Russia. Gog is from Magog, and will be the leader over the territories or principalities of Meshech and Tubal.

2. Another shall rise after them: The Antichrist will arise to prominence “after” the 10 kings emerge. They will give their allegiance to the Antichrist ()

12The ten horns which you saw are ten kings…13These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast [Antichrist]. ()

D. Characteristics of the horn, or the Antichrist, (7:25): blasphemy, murder, and domination.

25“He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time [3½ years].” ()

1. Daniel saw that the saints were “given” into the Antichrist’s hand by God (7:25). The Antichrist will be “given” authority to make war with saints (). The phrase “it was given” (or its equivalent), referring to God, is used often in Daniel and Revelation (, , ; ; ; , , , , ; , , ; , ; ; , , ).

5He [Antichrist] was given...authority [by God] to continue for forty-two months... 7It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Authority was given him [by God] over every tribe, tongue, and nation…14And he [False Prophet] deceives…by those signs which he was granted to do …15He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast… ()

2. Jesus will open the first seal to release the Antichrist (). The Lord will allow the Antichrist to have great authority for 3½ years to bring the earth to a place of decision for love and righteousness or hatred and unrighteousness ().

3. He shall change times and law: He shall establish legislation that will change some of the most important social and spiritual institutions. He will also use the legal system as a tool of oppression and murder. Initially he will oppress the saints through the legal system by removing their privileges and restricting their civil liberties. The laws will change—they will become progressively more oppressive and evil until it will be legal to kill the saints.

4. A time and times and half a time: There will be a God-given limit of 3½ years for the persecution of God’s people. The word time refers to one year, times refers to two years, and half a time speaks of half a year, totalling 3½ years. There are eight scriptures and four phrases that describe the final 3½ years before Jesus’ return. It is referred to twice as 1,260 days (; ); twice as 42 months (; ); three times as “time, times, and half a time” (; ; ); and as “the middle of the week” (). By comparing these verses, we see that they describe the same 3½ years.

E. The Ancient of Days has already decreed the destruction of the Antichrist (7:26).

26“But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his [Antichrist’s] dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.” ()

1. The court shall be seated: The Father’s heavenly court was seated—court was in session. This court decides the fate of all the leaders on the earth.

2. Take away his dominion: At the Lord’s appointed time, He will suddenly reverse things. The Antichrist’s kingdom will be consumed and destroyed at the time when Jesus returns.

F. God’s plan is to establish His kingdom on earth (7:27). This is not only one of the main points in the vision, but is also one of the most remarkable biblical truths related to God’s leadership over us. Notice “the” kingdom (in the singular) and the greatness of the “kingdoms” (in the plural) shall be given to the saints. Dominion speaks of the leadership positions of influence over the earth.

27“Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” ()

G. Shall be given to saints: The saints will replace the leadership of the beast empire in leading the world government. God’s plan is to prepare the Bride as Jesus’ eternal companion who will rule the earth with Him. In giving the kingdom to the saints, the Lord will vindicate both them and His leadership plans which allowed the Antichrist to persecute His people and prepared them to rule.

H. Jesus, the Bridegroom King, desires to rule the earth forever in partnership with His people (; ; ).

24“Father, I desire that they whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold [see and experience] My glory which You have given Me…” ()

21“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne…” ()

I. Daniel was grieved, troubled, astonished, made sick, and even fainted when he saw the horrible things that the Lord revealed to him about the Antichrist (, ; ; , ).

15“I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit…and the visions of my head troubled me…28…my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.” ()

27And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days…I was astonished by the vision… ()

8…when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me…9I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground…15I became speechless 16…[an angel] touched my lips… I spoke, saying to him…“My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me … 17As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.” ()