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A Study Of The Prophetic Visions Of DanielLesson Fourteen –Chapter Ten – The Prince Of Grecia
Daniel 10:1-5 - In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Beltshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. [2] In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. [3] I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. [4] And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; [5] Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
The 10th chapter of Daniel gives us what I believe is a look at the “beast” that will control the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation period – the “Prince of Grecia.” John the Revelator saw this same principality in the 13th and 17th chapters of the book of Revelation.
As stated before Daniel and John were given more insight to the spirit world than probably any other two people in history. Ezekiel and perhaps Moses would come in a close second.
Daniel 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
This was 5 years after the vision of the 70 weeks of Daniel 9 (cp. Daniel 10:1 with Daniel 9:1).
Cyrus king of Persia
was not Darius the Mede of Daniel
5:31; Daniel 6:1; Daniel 9:1. He was a Persian prince and became king of the
Medo-Persian Empire after Darius had reigned two years. There are no less than
four traditions about the birth of Cyrus. Herodotus says that he was the son of
Mandane, daughter of Astyages who sought to kill the child because of dreams he
had of his own defeat at his hands. Xenophon says he was the son of Cambyses,
king of Persia that he was educated in Persia and was later sent for by Astyages
who made him commander-in-chief of his armies. Nicolaus says that Cyrus was the
son of Atradates, a Mardian bandit, and that
The truth of the matter
seems to be that Cyrus The phrase “the thing was revealed,” is a term used 25 times in Daniel and 45 times in Revelation, emphasizing the subject matter of both books. The term “revealed unto Daniel,” Note the price Daniel paid for this revelation and the method whereby he received it (Daniel 10:2-12:13). Divine revelations have always had an impressive effect upon their receivers The scripture uses also the phrase for the “time appointed was long.” This means that the time for fulfillment was in the far distant future (Daniel 10:14,35). Even yet it has not been completed. At least all of Daniel 11:35- 12:13 is yet to be fulfilled. The Hebrew word for “time appointed,” means long warfare. The true idea is that there will be many wars before all these things are fulfilled. The Vision of Wars
1.The war between
Gabriel and the satanic prince of Persia who resisted him and 2.That between the Persians and Greeks (Daniel 10:20-21,11:2-3; Daniel 8:20-21) 3.War of the Medes and Persians with the Babylonians (Daniel 11:1; Daniel 5:25-31)
4.That of the generals
of Alexander the Great seizing control of his empire and
5.The 1st war between
Syria and Egypt, 2 of the 4 divisions of Alexander's empire 6.The 2nd war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:7-9) 7.The 3rd war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:10-12) 8.The 4th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:13-16) 9.The 5th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:17) 10.The war between Syria and Greece and Rome (Daniel 11:18-19) 11.The 1st war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:20) 12.The 2nd war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:21-24) 13.The 6th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:25-27) 14.The 3rd war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:28) 15.The 7th war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:29-31) 16.The 4th war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:32-34) 17.War between Syria and God (Daniel 11:36-39) 18.The 8th and last war between Syria and Egypt (Daniel 11:40-42) 19.The 5th war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:41) 20.War between Syria and other nations (Daniel 11:41) 21.Syrian war with the Libyans and Ethiopians (Daniel 11:43) 22.War between Syria and the
10 kingdoms under her and Russia and the nations north 23.The 6th and last war between Syria and Israel (Daniel 11:45; Zech. 14:1-5,14)
24.War between Syria and
Christ at His second coming (Daniel 11:45; Daniel 7:21-
25.War in heaven between Michael and his angels and Satan and his angels (Daniel
The phrase “understood the thing] If Daniel understood the vision before the now historical section (Daniel 11:2-34) was fulfilled, we today can surely understand the vision after the fulfillment of this section. The whole vision is very plain, as we shall see.
Daniel 10:2-3 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. [3] I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Daniel fasted 21 straight days. This is a long time for a man to be in fasting, prayer, and constant emotional strain. This is the same as saying that he was on a total fast, not on a diet as some today call a Daniel's fast.
Daniel 10:4-7 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; [5] Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: [6] His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. [7] And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
The phrase “four and 20th day of the first month,” refers to the 24th day of our April. The term “Hiddekel” is only found twice in Scripture (Daniel 10:4; Genesis 14). It is better known as the Tigris, a more modern name not found in Scripture. Euphrates is mentioned 21 times, for along its winding course many Biblical events took place.
The phrase, “a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz,” describes Messiah. In the passages Daniel gives an 8-fold description Him: 1. His clothing was fine linen (Daniel 10:5; Daniel 12:6-7; cp. Rev. 1:13; Rev. 19:8; Exodus 28:4-12). 2. His loins were girded with a golden girdle (Daniel 10:5; cp. Rev. 1:13). 3. His body was like a beryl (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 4:3). The beryl is a gem of bluegreen or other color combinations. 4. His face was as the appearance of lightning (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:16; Rev. 10:1). 5. His eyes were as lamps of fire (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 19:12). 6. His arms like polished brass (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 10:1). 7. His feet like polished brass (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 10:1). 8. His voice was like a multitude (Daniel 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; Rev. 8:5; Rev. 10:2-4; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 14:2; Rev. 16:17-18; Rev. 19:6; §Psalm 29, notes). The terms, “alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision,” shows that one person can see a vision while others cannot even though they are present (cp. Acts 9:7; Acts 22:9). There were two effects upon Daniel’s companions: 1. A great quaking fell upon them. 2. They fled to hide themselves. Daniel 10:8-12Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. [9] Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. [10] And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. [11] And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. [12] Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Daniel says the vision caused there to be “no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption.” When we truly see Jesus - we too see ourselves with no strength and corrupt. There was ten-fold effect upon Daniel: 1.Strength went from me (Daniel 10:8). 2.My comeliness (beauty) was turned to corruption (Hebrew: destruction; marred;) made ugly, Daniel 10:8). 3.I fell into a deep sleep, face down (Daniel 10:9). 4.A hand touched me and set me upon my knees and hands (Daniel 10:10). 5.I then stood upright trembling (Daniel 10:11). 6.I had great fear (Daniel 10:12). 7.I fell again, face down (Daniel 10:15). 8.I became dumb (speechless, Daniel 10:15).
9.The angel touched my lips and I was able to speak again so I complained of 10.I was again strengthened and made capable of receiving the revelation (Daniel 10:18-12:13). Gabriel told Daniel that is was “unto thee am I now sent.” It might appear that the person described in Daniel 10:5-6 is Gabriel, but no angel is thus described in Scripture. The vision is in almost every detail like that of the Son of man in Rev. 1:12-17. The two visions seem to refer to the same person. In Daniel 8:13-19 Gabriel is instructed by another person to make the vision known to Daniel. The same is no doubt true here. The person described in Daniel 10:5-6 directs Gabriel to make this revelation known to Daniel. The fact is clear in Daniel 10:11-12 that someone sent him. There are seven divine and angelic appearances in the book of Daniel: (Daniel 3:25; Daniel 4:13,17,23; Daniel 6:22; Daniel 7:16; Daniel 8:13,14,16-26; Daniel 9:21; Daniel 10:4-12,1)
The term “from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand gives us an example of prayer being delayed (Daniel 10:12-13). Such delays should never hinder faith or cause one to give up seeking an answer that is promised by God. They should only urge one to renew his efforts and to hold on in prayer and faith until the answer is realized (Luke 18:1-8). It was “for thy words,” the angelic visitor said, that “I have come to answer the prayer that you have prayed.” This shows exactly what Daniel prayed for and demonstrates that the very words said in prayer are heard and can be answered (Matthew 7:7-11). Too many times religious teachers today argue that what we ask may not be granted, but that God will give to us what we need and what is best for us. In other words, God will substitute something in the place of whatever we have asked for. There is not a word in Scripture, which teaches such a doctrine. God has promised to give all men what they ask for in prayer, believing—even the exact things that they say in words (Matthew 7:7-11; Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 11:22-24; John 15:7). Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
In this 13th verse we have a TON of information given to Daniel that assists us today in understanding events in the spirit world. We read for the very first time about a satanic prince or principality known as the PRINCE OF PERSIA. This is the satanic prince or ruler of the kingdom of Persia, one ruling the kingdom of Persia for Satan who is recognized in Scripture as being the god and ruler of this world, having usurped man's dominion (Matthew 4:8-9; Matthew 12:24-30; John 8:44; John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4; Ephes. 2:2; Ephes. 6:10-18; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12:7-12; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 20:1-10). Over all the governments of this world Satan has his trusted angels who are responsible to him for carrying out his will in those governments. He seeks to hinder God's plan in the fulfillment of prophecy regarding world kingdoms. God also has trusted angels and they carry out His will concerning what He has predicted to take place in the kingdoms of this world (Daniel 10:11-21; Daniel 11:1; Daniel 12:1). Hence, the wars between these two groups of angels in the heavenlies (Daniel 10:13,20-21; Daniel 11:1; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7-12). All wars lost or won on earth are results of wars lost or won by these heavenly armies. Not only over every government of this world are there good and evil spirit beings seeking to influence and carry out the will of their masters, but over every individual life the same is true (Matthew 18:10; 2 Cor. 10:4-6; Ephes. 2:2; Ephes. 6:10-18; Hebrews 1:14; Jude 1:9).
Satan himself is active
along the line of seeking to defeat God's purpose
The words prince
and princes are from the Hebrew word, which We also see in this passage the first mention of the archangel Michael. Michael is one of only four angels mentioned in the entirety of the Word of God:
1.Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:11-17) 2.Michael (Daniel 10:13,21; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7) 3.Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19,26) 4.Abaddon or Apollyon (Rev. 9:11) The term “one of the chief princes,” proves there are ranks among angels; Jude 1:9). The “kings of Persia,” refers to the satanic princes of the kingdom of the Medes and Persians Daniel 10:14-15 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. [15] And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days is the 16th prophecy in Daniel. Again the term “thy people” refers to Daniel's people, the Jews (Daniel 9:24; Daniel 12:1). The term “latter days” refers to the days just preceding the coming of the Messiah. The term “is for many days” means that the main object of the vision is to show what shall befall Israel at the end time of their oppression by the Gentiles.
Daniel 10:16-18 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. [17] For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. [18] Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
This is perhaps the same person who was sent to give Daniel this revelation (Daniel 10:11-12). The world “similitude,” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “likeness, referring to outward, physical form, for that is all he saw. Daniel could not see the moral and spiritual likeness of this person. It is the same word translated "likeness" in connection with God (Genesis 1:26) and with Adam (Genesis 5:1). When Daniel says “then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man,” he is referring to a third touch (Daniel 10:10,16,18).
Daniel 10:20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
The 20th verse of this 10th chapter is probably the most important. Here we see the satanic prince known as the Prince of GRECIA. The angel simply says it “shall come,” meaning that it is an event in Daniel’s future, as it is ours today as well. Having said that, I firmly believe that the events we are seeing played out in the Middle East over the past decade was in actuality caused by either the Prince of Persia OR the Prince of Grecia – possibly both. The world’s attention is no longer on Communism but now ISLAM. Islam is birthed in a PERSIAN religion and it holds the world, including many governments, in its deception.
Michael tells Daniel that he will “now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia.” In other words, “When I leave you I will have another fight with the prince of Persia (the satanic ruler of Persia). This is simply the continuation of the war of Daniel 10:13-14. The statement “and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come,” means that the prince of Grecia will come after Persia.
The Prince of Grecia is the satanic ruler prince of the Grecian Empire that caused Alexander the Great to be so successful in 13 years as to destroy the Medo-Persian Empire completely. This prince of Grecia is the spirit now confined to the abyss that will come out in the last days and cause the human Antichrist to revive the old Grecian Empire, so that they all can oppose Jesus Christ at Armageddon. John saw it in the 17th chapter of Revelation. Rev. 17:8The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Countless interpretations have been given to this passage in Revelation. Many have made the seven-headed beast to be the Antichrist himself coming out of the European Common Market. This has NOTHING to do with the Antichrist himself other than the fact that this principality will be unleashed upon Planet Earth to aid and abet the Antichrist in not only his rise to power, but in his rule over the revised Grecian Empire.
The beast is a symbol of three things: 1. A supernatural angel out of the abyss, see points 1-6 below 2. A mortal man, see points 7-46 below 3. A kingdom, see points 47-60 below Many fallacies have come by not recognizing all three things in the same symbol. Some passages apply to all three; some to only one. Six Facts—The Beast Out Of The Abyss 1. Comes out of the abyss (Rev. 11:7; Rev. 17:8) 2. Will war on the 2 witnesses (Rev. 11:7) 3. Will finally kill them (Rev. 11:7) 4. Once lived out of the abyss (Rev. 17:8) 5. Was in the abyss in John's day (Rev. 17:8) 6. Will go into perdition (Rev. 17:8) Forty Facts – The Beast Out Of The Sea7. Will be a man (Rev. 13:1,18) 8. Has 7 symbolic heads (Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:3-11) 9. Has names of blasphemy (Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:3) 10. Has 10 horns; 10 crowns (Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:3) 11. Is like a leopard, a symbol of the Grecian Empire (Rev. 13:2; Rev. 17:3; Daniel 7:6) 12. Has the feet of a bear, a symbol of Medo-Persia (Rev. 13:2; Daniel 7:5) 13. Has the mouth of a lion, a symbol of Babylon (Rev. 13:2; Daniel 7:4) 14. Receives power from Satan (Rev. 13:2; 2 Thes. 2:8-12; Daniel 8:24; Daniel 11:38) 15. Ten kings give their power to him (Rev. 17:12-17 16. Ten kings agree to give their power to him after he overthrows three of them (Rev. 17:12-17; Daniel 7:23-24) 17. Leads the 10 kings against Christ at Armageddon (Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:19-21) 18. Will destroy the great whore (Rev. 17:16) 19. Will be commander-in-chief of all earthly armies at Armageddon (Rev. 19:19) 20. Will be slain at Armageddon, proving him to be a mortal man (Rev. 19:20; Daniel 7:11; Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thes. 2:8-12) 21. Is to be defeated by Christ (Rev. 19:20) 22. Will be cast into hell (Rev. 19:20) 23. Will still be in hell 1,000 years later (Rev. 20:10) 24. World will wonder after him (Rev. 13:3; Rev. 17:8) 25. Will be worshiped by people (Rev. 13:3,8,16-18; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 16:2; Rev. 20:4) 26. Will speak blasphemies (Rev. 13:5-6; Daniel 7:20,25; Daniel 11:36) 27. Will be given power 42 months, the last 3 1/2 years of this age (Rev. 13:5; Rev. 19:11-21; Daniel 7:25-27; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:7) 28. Will make war on saints (Rev. 13:6; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4-6; Daniel 7:21; Daniel 8:25) 29. Will overcome saints and kill them (Rev. 13:7; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4-6; Daniel 7:21) 30. Will rule many nations (Rev. 13:7; Rev. 17:12-17; Daniel 7:23-24; Daniel 11:40-45) 31. Will have a co-worker, the false prophet (Rev. 13:11-18; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 19:20) 32. Will have miraculous powers (Rev. 13:2-14; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 19:20; 2 Thes. 2:8-12) 33. An image will be made of him (Rev. 13:2,12-14; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4-6). 34. The image will be given life (Rev. 13:15). 35. It will do personal acts (Rev. 13:15). 36. Will brand people with a mark (Rev. 13:16) 37. Or with his name (Rev. 13:17-18; Rev. 15:2) 38. Or with the number of his name (Rev. 13:18) 39. Will kill people who do not take his brands and worship him (Rev. 13:15; Rev. 20:4) 42. Will cause people to be damned (Rev. 14:9-11) 41. Will be opposed by angels (Rev. 14:9-11) 42. Will cause people to be damned (Rev. 14:9-11) 43. Will be opposed by people (Rev. 15:2) 44. Will receive plagues (Rev. 16:2,10) 45. Will have a throne and kingdom (Rev. 16:10) 46. Will league with Satan and demons in mobilizing nations (Rev. 16:13-16) Fourteen Facts – The Beast As A Kingdom47. Is the 8th kingdom (Rev. 17:11) 48. Is to be dominated by the great whore until Antichrist comes to power over the 10 kingdoms (Rev. 17:1-7,12-17) 49. Existed before John's day (Rev. 17:8-11) 50. Was not in John's day (Rev. 17:8-11) 51. One head is killed (Rev. 13:3) 52. The head will be made alive (Rev. 13:3-14) 53. Is revived again in the last days by Antichrist (Rev. 17:10-17; Daniel 7:24) 54. Succeeds 7 world empires (Rev. 17:9-11) 55. Five empires had fallen before John's day—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece (Rev. 17:10) 56. The 6th kingdom (Roman Empire) was in John's day (Rev. 17:10) 57. The 7th kingdom (made up of the 10 kingdoms inside the Roman Empire territory) is not yet come (Rev. 17:10-17; Daniel 7:23-24) 58. The 7th must continue a short space before Antichrist comes (Rev. 17:10) 59. The 7th becomes the 8th kingdom when Antichrist gets full power over the 10 kingdoms (Rev. 17:9-17) 60. The 8th is one of the 7 kingdoms, that is, the 5th that had fallen before John's day This is in harmony with the facts that the beast was before the 6th and 7th and is not during the 6th and 7th, and becomes the 8th after the 6th and 7th (Rev. 17:8-11).
Seven Proofs The Antichrist Is NOT From The Abyss1. Only a person could be referred to in such statements as a beast coming from the abyss. A kingdom could not possibly come from such a place. This would mean that every person in the original kingdom would come back to live on earth again. This is not taught of one human being in Scripture, much less of thousands of people coming out to carry on with their original lives and kingdom. If only a person can be referred to, then it must be either an angel or a human being who is now confined to the abyss and will come out to fulfill this prophecy. It is not necessary to hold that the beast of the abyss must be a man brought back from the dead, or that the beast out of the abyss and the beast out of the sea must be the same person. 2. The Antichrist or beast out of the sea of humanity must be an ordinary mortal because he will die at Armageddon (Daniel 7:11; Daniel 8:8,22,25; 2 Thes. 2:8-9; Rev. 19:20). This would be impossible if he were some man resurrected and made immortal during his second lifetime on earth. 3. The doctrine of a resurrection of any man from corruption to become a mortal again and die again on earth in his second lifetime is not taught in Scripture (Hebrews 9:27). Neither Judas, Antiochus Epiphanes, nor any other man is an exception to the law of dying only once and after this the judgment. One does not have to make the Bible contradict itself in order to find an explanation of all facts. 4. The doctrine of a reincarnation is not once mentioned in Scripture, so this would be impossible for any human being who ever lived on earth (Hebrews 9:27; Rev. 20:11-15). To be reincarnated one would have to be born again in the flesh as a baby, grow to maturity, and go through every process in his previous lifetime. This is utterly unscriptural. The next time people are to live in bodies is in the resurrection when their own grown bodies will be brought forth (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:20-58; 1 Thes. 4:16; Phil. 3:21; Rev. 20:11-15). 5. The abyss is not the place of confinement for human beings who die in their one and only mortal lifetime. It is a place for confinement of demons and certain fallen angels (Luke 8:31; Rev. 9:1-21; Rev. 11:7; Rev. 17:8; Rev. 20:3,7). Human souls that are righteous go to heaven at death (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21-24; Hebrews 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11). The wicked go to hell (Luke 16:19-31; §Rev. 20:11-15, notes). Therefore, no human being could ever come out of the abyss as the Antichrist. 6. There is no scripture to prove that Antichrist will be different from any other natural man in his lifetime as to his birth, death, etc. He will merely be used by satanic powers in the last days. It is not necessary for God or Satan to call anyone back from the dead to fulfill any purpose on earth. If some man in history could fulfill the prophecies then some man who has never died can fulfill them. No reincarnation or resurrection has been necessary for the operation of supernatural powers of either God or Satan at any time. The only thing necessary is the complete yieldedness to the operator. 7. That the Antichrist will be assassinated in the middle of Daniel's 70th week and then rise from the dead as an immortal being and an incarnation of Satan is unscriptural. The head "wounded to death" and revived again (Rev. 13:3) has no reference to Antichrist, but to one of the heads on the beast, which are all kingdoms and not people (Rev. 17:9-11). The Antichrist is merely the human head of the 8th kingdom. He is not any one of the 7 heads or 10 horns. They symbolize other things before he even comes (Daniel 7:23-24; Rev. 17:9-11). Antichrist will never be an incarnation of Satan, for we see the dragon as a separate person from the beast in all Scripture (2 Thes. 2:8-9; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 20:10). Satan is an angel with his own body and could never be on the inside of any man physically (note, Luke 22:3). The Beast Out Of The Abyss Identified In Daniel’s Vision In Chapter 10The beast out of the abyss is a satanic angel and not the human spirit of some dead man. He does not incarnate himself in the human Antichrist or beast out of the sea, but merely uses him as a tool to revive the 5th or Grecian kingdom as the 8th and last kingdom in the times of the Gentiles. This spirit ruled the old Grecian Empire, the 5th of the 5 kingdoms that had fallen before John's day (Rev. 17:10). When his kingdom fell he was confined to the abyss where he remained during the 6th kingdom (the Roman Empire, which was the one in existence in John's day) and where he has been ever since. He will be confined to the abyss until the 10 kingdoms are formed inside the Roman Empire to make the 7th kingdom of Rev. 17:10. He will then be loosed and use the Antichrist to revive the old Grecian Empire as the 8th kingdom of Rev. 17:11. This is what the angel meant when he said the beast was (had existed on earth before John's day), and is not (on the earth in John's day); and shall ascend out of the abyss and go to perdition (Rev. 17:8). Godly or satanic angels have always controlled kingdoms of this world and wars on earth are lost or won as a result of battles in the heavenlies between the good and bad angels. God plans the rise and fall of certain kingdoms and Satan seeks to keep the prophetic Word from coming to pass (Isaiah 24:21-23; Isaiah 25:7; Daniel 10:13-21; Daniel 11:1; Daniel 12:1; Ephes. 6:12; Rev. 12:7-12; Rev. 16:13-16). In Daniel 10:12-21; Daniel 12:1 we have the satanic prince of Persia, the prince of Grecia, Michael, Israel's prince, and other angelic rulers mentioned. He is the prince of Greece because: 1. The last visions of Daniel concern the Grecian Empire, its 4 divisions, and the rise of Antichrist out of one of them (Rev. 8:9,20-25; Rev. 11:1-45). 2. The Antichrist, the earthly head of the 8th kingdom (which is a revival of the 5th kingdom that had fallen before John's day; 's 17:10), will come from the Syrian division of the old Grecian Empire (Daniel 8:9,20-25; §Daniel 11:36-45, notes). If he comes from the old Grecian Empire and revives it, then it is definite that the spirit out of the abyss is the prince of Grecia of Daniel 10:20. 3. In Daniel 7:23-24 Antichrist uses one of the 10 kingdoms, the Syrian kingdom, to overthrow 3 others, that is, the other 3 divisions of the old Grecian Empire of Daniel 8:9,20-25. This points to the prince of Grecia as the beast out of the abyss. 4. The body of the beast of Revelation is like a leopard (Rev. 13:2), which, in Daniel 7:6, symbolizes the old Grecian Empire, proving that the kingdom of Antichrist will be mainly Grecian in character and policy, as the Syrian division in Daniel 8:9-14,20-25; Daniel 11:21-45. This identifies the beast of the abyss as the prince of Grecia. 5. In Joel 3:6 with Zech. 9:13 we have prophecies of the Grecian Empire in the last days under Antichrist, proving beyond doubt that the prince of Grecia is the spirit of the abyss. This revival of Greece will be the head healed that was wounded to death (Rev. 13:3,12-14). The 8th kingdom will be the Revived Grecian Empire, not the Revised Roman Empire, which is the 7th head on the beast. The Beast Out Of The Sea Identified1. He is a man (Rev. 13:18; 2 Thes. 2:3). 2. Who is he? At present he is unknown—not any man now prominent in world affairs. 3. When will he come? He will not come on the scene of action until after 10 kingdoms are formed inside the old Roman Empire territory ( Daniel 7:23-24,), and until after the rapture of the church (2 Thes. 2:7-8). He will come at the beginning of Daniel's 70th week (Daniel 9:27; Rev. 6:1-2). Warning: any speculation regarding any man as the Antichrist before then is pure human guesswork and valueless. 4. Where does he come from? He will come from Syria, as proved in Daniel 7:23-24; Daniel 8:9,20-25).
7. Where is he to reign? From Babylon the first 3 1/2 years, or during his rise to power (Isaiah 14:4-17) and from Jerusalem the last 3 1/2 years. (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thes. 2:3-4; Rev. 11:1-2) 8. What power will he have? He will receive power from Satan (Daniel 8:24; Daniel 11:38-39; 2 Thes. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1,4; Rev. 17:12-17). The spirit out of the abyss will be Satan's agent in dominating the Antichrist (Rev. 11:7; Rev. 17:8). Twenty-fold Power—He Will Have Power To: 1. Blaspheme God (Rev. 13:5-6; Daniel 7:8,20,25; Daniel 11:36) 2. Overcome saints (Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4-6) 3. Overcome Jews (Rev. 13:7; Daniel 7:21; Daniel 12:7) 4. Conquer nations (Rev. 13:7; Daniel 7:7-8,19-24; Daniel 11:40-45) 5. Destroy mystery Babylon (Rev. 17:12-17) 6. Kill the two witnesses (Rev. 11:7) 7. Change times and laws (Daniel 7:25) 8. Understand mysteries (Daniel 8:23) 9. Do as he wills (Daniel 11:36) 10. Do miracles (Rev. 13:13; 2 Thes. 2:9) 11. Cause craft to prosper (Daniel 8:25) 12. Control money (Daniel 11:38-43) 13. Deceive many (Rev. 13:1-18; 2 Thes. 2:10) 14. Contract with Israel (Daniel 9:27) 15. Control religion (Rev. 13:1-18; Daniel 11:36) 16. Control lives of people (Rev. 13:12-18) 17. Control kings (Rev. 17:12-17) 18. Cause nations to fear (Rev. 13:4) 19. Fight against Christ (Rev. 19:19-21) 20. Reign for 42 months (Rev. 13:5)
Daniel 10:21 But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
The phrase “noted in the scripture of truth” refers to the revelation of the war between Medo-Persia and Greece already recorded in Scripture (Daniel 2:39; Daniel 7:5-6; Daniel 8:3-8,20-25) “And there is none that holdeth with me in these things,” means Michael, the prince of Israel, is the only one who is standing by Gabriel in His war on the prince of Persia, that he might be overcome and the prince of Grecia be permitted to come (Daniel 10:20-21). The phrase “Michael your prince,” needs further discussion. Here Gabriel explains to Daniel that two years previous to this revelation he had stood with Michael to confirm and to strengthen him when it was his responsibility to overthrow the prince of Babylon so that the prince of Persia might come (Daniel 11:1). Now, Michael was standing by Gabriel to help him overthrow the prince of Persia so that the prince of Grecia might come (Daniel 10:20-21). God has to defeat the satanic rulers of certain kingdoms before the succeeding one can come to fulfill His prophetic Word. He has already predicted the rise and fall of world empires in the times of the Gentiles, so to fulfill His Word He must wage war against satanic forces who constantly seek to hinder such fulfillment (Daniel 2:38-45; Daniel 7:3-12,19-27; Daniel 8:20-25).
As stated before, there have been EIGHT kingdoms that has withstood God’s plan for Israel in the past and in her future. John the Revelator mentions the EIGHTH Kingdom quite a bit. That kingdom is the Kingdom of Antichrist.
Rev. 17:11 - And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
Let’s look again at these eight “mountain” kingdoms and their relationship to Israel. 1. Egypt was the first kingdom to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles—that period of Israel's history from her beginning as a nation in Egypt to the second coming of Christ (Luke 21:24; Romans 11:25; Rev. 11:1-2). The words Egypt and Egyptian are used 731 times in Scripture and in nearly every case with Israel. Even until the Roman Empire days, Egypt was Israel's bitter enemy, with the exception of a few periods of friendship. Egypt was the place where Israel became a nation and where they were oppressed over 80 years before Moses led them out of bondage (Genesis 15:13-14; Genesis 37 through Exodus 15). She is mentioned many times after this as the oppressor of Israel (1 Kings 14; 2 Kings 17; 2 Kings 18:21-19:18; 2 Kings 23:28-37; 2 Kings 25:25-26; 2 Chron. 14:9-12; 2 Chron. 16:7-9; Isaiah 30-31; Ezekiel 29:32). After having oppressed Israel off and on for over 3,750 years, Egypt will be subject to Antichrist in oppressing them again under the 8th kingdom (Daniel 8:21-25; Daniel 11:40-45). She will never be a great world power again (Ezekiel 29:15), but will serve the Lord along with Israel in the eternal kingdom (Isaiah 11:11-16; Isaiah 19:23-25; Isaiah 27:12-13; Zech. 10:10-11; Zech. 14:16-21). 2. Assyria was the second great empire to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles. Founded by Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-12) it was a kingdom inferior to Egypt for 1,300 years. Then God allowed her to chasten Israel (2 Kings 15-16; 2 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 23-24). The words Assyria and Assyrian are used 175 times and nearly always in connection with Israel. She oppressed Israel off and on for about 175 years. Antichrist will be the last Assyrian to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles (Isaiah 10:20-27; Isaiah 14:25; Isaiah 31:4-9; Micah 5:5,6). Assyria will be blessed in the eternal kingdom along with Israel (Isaiah 11:16; Isaiah 19:23-25). 3. Babylon was the third empire to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles. It is the first one mentioned in Daniel, and for this reason many Bible scholars start the time of the Gentiles with Babylon. But it must be remembered that both Egypt and Assyria persecuted Israel before Babylon and much longer. Why start the time of the Gentiles with the third empire to oppress Israel merely because Daniel saw those times from his day forward? He naturally could not predict the oppressions of Israel by Egypt and Assyria for they were in the past by the time he lived. Nevertheless, were they not oppressions by the Gentiles? If so, then they rightly belong to the times of the Gentiles. Daniel saw them from this day forward, while John saw the whole length of the times of the Gentiles from Egypt to the Revised Roman Empire, the purpose being to identify the 8th kingdom that will complete the times of the Gentiles. Babylon as an inferior kingdom helped Assyria against Israel (2 Kings 17:24-30; 2 Chron. 33:11). She was chosen by God to take Judah captive for 70 years (2 Kings 20; 1 Chron. 29; Jeremiah 24). Babylon is mentioned in Daniel under the head of gold (Rev. 2:37-38) and a lion (Rev. 7:4). The word Babylon is used 284 times in Scripture nearly always in connection with Israel. She will have a latter-day part in oppressing Israel (Isaiah 13-14; Jeremiah 50-51). 4. Medo-Persia was the 4th empire to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles. It is the 2nd one in Daniel as the breast and arms of silver (Daniel 2:32,39), the bear (Daniel 7:5), and the ram (Daniel 8:20). It is referred to only 58 times in Scripture, but in an important role (2 Kings 17:6; 2 Kings 18:11; Isaiah 13:17; Daniel 5; Daniel 10:13-21; Daniel 11:1-2; Ezra. 1:1-8; Ezra. 4:1-9:9; Neh. 1-13). It will fulfill prophecy in the last days under Antichrist (Ezekiel 38-39). Medo-Persia persecuted Israel off and on for over 100 years. 5. Greece was the 5th empire to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles and the 3rd one in Daniel. It is symbolized in Daniel by the belly and thighs of brass (Daniel 2:32,39), as the leopard (Daniel 7:6), and as the he-goat (Daniel 8:5-9,20-25). It is only mentioned by name 9 times in Scripture, due to the fact it existed between the Old and New Testament times. She is mentioned many times in the books of Maccabees in the Apocrypha. Practically all of Daniel 8; Daniel 11 and Daniel 12; Rev. 6:1-8; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 17:9-17; Rev. 19:19-21 must be understood in connection with Greece which will be revived again as the 8th kingdom. Greece and the Syrian and Egyptian parts of the empire persecuted Israel off and on for over 250 years. The Grecian empire is the 5th head on the beast of Rev. 17:9-11, which was (before John), is not (in John's day), and becomes revived as the 8th and last kingdom to oppress Israel. She is the head that was wounded to death and made alive again (Rev. 13:3,12). 6. Rome was the 6th empire to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles and the 4th in Daniel. It is symbolized in Daniel as the legs of iron (Daniel 2:33,40), the non-descript beast (Daniel 7:7-8,23-24), and the 6th head on the beast (Rev. 17:9-17). Rome oppressed Israel over 200 years and dispersed the Jews in A.D. 70 (Daniel 9:26-27; Matthew 24:1-3; Luke 21:20-24). It is from this territory that the next two kingdoms will arise. 7. Revised Rome will be the next empire mentioned in Scripture as oppressing Israel in the times of the Gentiles. This kingdom will be made up of 10 kingdoms inside the Roman Empire territory in the last days. For this reason we call it the Revised Roman Empire, not the Revived. If the Roman Empire were to be revived it would be one kingdom ruled by one man from Rome, but instead 10 separate kingdoms ruled by 10 kings and with 10 separate capitals will be formed inside the Roman Empire territory. This is symbolized in Daniel by the 10 toes (Daniel 2:40-45) and 10 horns (Daniel 7:7-8,19-24), and by 10 horns in Rev. 12:3; Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:9-17. Ten Proofs That The Toes And Horns In Daniel’s Vision and John’s Visions Are The Same: (1) The number is the same (Rev. 12:3; Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:12; Daniel 2:40-45; Daniel 7:7-27). (2) They all exist together and fight Christ at Armageddon (Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:11-21; Daniel 2:34-35,44-45; Daniel 7:8-14,21-27). (3) They all exist after Rome and are a revision of it (Rev. 17:12-17; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:7-8,23-24). (4) They will all be connected with the same beast at the same time (Rev. 17:12-17; Rev. 19:19-21; Daniel 7:8,11,21-27). (5) The little horn of Daniel 7:7-8,19-24, and the beast of Rev. 17:9-17 are the same and will arise after the 10 kings and from among them (Rev. 17:12-17; Daniel 7:7-8,23-24). (6) They will become subject to the same man at the same time (Rev. 13:1-8; Rev. 17:12-17; Daniel 7:23-24). (7) The kingdom of God and Christ will be set up in the days of their existence (Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:11-21; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:7-27). (8) They will give their power to the same man for the same length of time (Rev. 13:5; Rev. 17:8-17; Daniel 7:23-25; Daniel 12:7). (9) The 10 horns are the same as the 7th kingdom of Rev. 17:8-17. They succeed the 6th kingdom or Rome and precede the 8th or the Antichrist kingdom (Rev. 17:8-17). The 10 toes and 10 horns of Daniel 2:40-45; Daniel 7:7-8,23-24 also come out of Rome, succeed Rome and precede the kingdom of the little horn or the Antichrist kingdom. Hence, they must be the same. (10) The 10 horns in both books reign both before and after the beast or little horn. Their reign before him is different from that after him. Before he comes they are independent, but after he comes to power they are subject to him. They control the 7th; he controls the 8th kingdom. Therefore, they must be the same. 8. Revived Greece will be the 2nd of the future empires to oppress Israel in the times of the Gentiles and the last world power to do so. Antichrist will come out of the 10 kingdoms and overthrow 3 of them. The others will submit to him thus forming the 8th kingdom (Daniel 7:23-24; Rev. 17:8-17). Christ will defeat it at His second coming. This will end the times of the Gentiles. The Prophetic PsalmPsalm 80:13 - The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it
A boar and other wild beasts of the forest symbolize the heathen powers that constantly made inroads on Israel and finally destroyed the nation. The boar was pictured on the military ensign of the Romans. Until the Roman power arose, the word river was used instead of wood here. After this the Chaldea and the Vulgate used the word forest. The Jews had a peculiar interpretation of this passage. They taught that when Israel was innocent she would be assailed only by a power weak as a river animal, but when she sinned she would be devoured by a power as strong as a land animal. In the symbolism of Gentile world powers oppressing Israel in the times of the Gentiles both types of animals are used:
3. Babylon is symbolized by a lion with eagle's wings and a man's heart (Daniel 7:4) 4. Medo-Persia is symbolized by a bear (Daniel 7:5) and a ram (Daniel 8:20) 5. Greece is symbolized by a leopard with four heads and four wings of a fowl (Daniel 7:6) and the he goat (Daniel 8:21) 6. Rome is symbolized by a nondescript beast (Daniel 7:7) 7. Revised is symbolized Rome by ten horns on the nondescript beast (Daniel 7:7-8,19-24) 8. Revived Greece is symbolized by a leopard with seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 13 and Rev. 17) 9. Other Gentile powers are symbolized by a wild boar and other wild animals (Psalm 80:13)
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