DANIEL

Author:
Some modern critics of the Bible have denied that Daniel wrote this book, but see
8:1,15,27; 9:2-4,20; 10:2,7; 12:5,8. These verses indicate that Daniel was the author. Further
evidence for this is in Matt 24:15 where the Lord Jesus stated that the prophecy concerning
“the abomination of desolation” (Dan 9:27) was spoken through “Daniel the prophet”.
Date:
Babylon was captured by the Medes and Persians in 539 BC. Daniel must have written
this book a short time after that.
Themes:
Two themes appear together throughout the book – the experiences of Daniel (and
sometimes his Hebrew friends) in the city of Babylon, and the prophetic visions which
came to Daniel. Over both themes we see the sovereign God fulfilling His purposes. In
the prophetic visions we can see the rise and fall of empires, the very powerful empire
that will rule the world in the last days of this present age, the coming of antichrist, the
destruction of man’s kingdoms and the establishment of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
Contents:
The training of the young Hebrew men ........................................... 1:1-21
Daniel’s noble resolve .................................................................. 1:8
The result .................................................................................... 1:15
God’s gift .................................................................................... 1:17,20
The dream of king Nebuchadnezzar ............................................... 2:1-49
The dream itself .......................................................................... 2:1-3
The failure of Babylon’s wise men................................................ 2:4-13
Daniel’s request, prayer, and thanksgiving ................................... 2:14-23
Daniel interprets the dream ......................................................... 2:26-45
The result .................................................................................... 2:46-49
King Nebuchadnezzar makes an image .......................................... 3:1-30
The king’s command to worship it ............................................... 3:4-6
Shadrach and companions refuse to obey .................................... 3:8-18
The king’s fury ............................................................................ 3:19-23
Saved from the fiery furnace ........................................................ 3:24-27
The result .................................................................................... 3:28-30
King Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a tree .......................................... 4:1-37
Daniel’s interpretation ................................................................. 4:19-27
The dream fulfilled ..................................................................... 4:28-37
Belshazzar’s feast, and the writing on the wall ................................ 5:1-30
The writing ................................................................................. 5:5-6
The failure of Babylon’s wise men................................................ 5:7-9
The queen’s advice ...................................................................... 5:10-12
The king’s words to Daniel .......................................................... 5:13-16
Daniel’s words to the king ........................................................... 5:17-24
Daniel explains the writing.......................................................... 5:25-28
The fulfillment ............................................................................ 5:30
Daniel in the lions’ den................................................................... 6:1-26
Daniel 1262

The plot of Daniel’s enemies ........................................................ 6:1-9

Daniel’s faithfulness in prayer...................................................... 6:10-11
The punishment .......................................................................... 6:12-18
God’s protection .......................................................................... 6:19-24
The result .................................................................................... 6:25-28
Daniel’s dream of four beasts .......................................................... 7:1-28
The dream itself .......................................................................... 7:1-14
The interpretation of the dream ................................................... 7:15-28
Daniel’s vision of the ram and the goat ........................................... 8:1-27
The dream itself .......................................................................... 8:1-14
The interpretation ....................................................................... 8:15-27
Daniel’s understanding of God’s word, his prayer ........................... 9:1-19
The angel Gabriel speaks of “seventy weeks” .................................. 9:20-27
Daniel has another vision ............................................................... 10:1—12:13
The vision itself ........................................................................... 10:1-10
The message ................................................................................ 10:11—12:4
War in the unseen world .............................................................. 10:12-14,20,21
Daniel gets strength ..................................................................... 10:15-19
The struggle between various rulers ............................................ 11:1-35
The kings at the end of this age .................................................... 11:36-45
The great tribulation.................................................................... 12:1
Deliverance, resurrection and rewards ......................................... 12:2-4
The vision and message concluded .............................................. 12:5-13
1263 Daniel 1:10

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim,

king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of
Babylon, came to Jerusalem, and besieged
them a daily provision of the king’s food
and of the wine which he drank, and three
years training for them, so that at the end of
it. 2 And the LORD gave Jehoiakim, king that time they might stand before the king.
of Judah, into his hands, and some of the 6 Now among these were Daniel, Hananiah,

articles belonging to the house of God, which Mishael, and Azariah of the children of Judah.
he carried away to the land of Shinar to the 7 The chief of the eunuchs gave them names.

house of his god; and he brought the articles He gave to Daniel the name Belteshazzar;
into the treasure house of his god. and to Hananiah, Shadrach; and to Mishael,
3 And the king ordered Ashpenaz the chief Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
of his eunuchs to bring some of the children 8 But Daniel determined in his heart that

of Israel, and of the royal family, and of the he would not defile himself with any portion
nobles, 4 young men without blemish, but of the king’s food or with the wine which
handsome, with training in every branch of he drank. Therefore he requested the chief
wisdom, well informed, and understanding of the eunuchs that he might not to defile
science and who had the ability to serve in himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel
the king’s palace, and whom they might into the favour and tender affection of the
teach the literature and language of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the
Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for eunuchs said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my

1:1 “Third year”– Jer 25:1 indicates that this to them were all connected with various gods of
was the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign. The Babylon. Belteshazzar probably means “May Bel
difference can be accounted for like this – in protect his life”. Bel meant Lord in the Babylonian
Babylon the years of a king’s reign were counted language and signified the god Marduk (Jer 50:2).
from the first new year’s day after he became king, Shadrach could mean either “the inspiration of
but in Israel the year he became king also was Rach (the sun god)” or “the command of Aku
included in the reckoning. Jehoiakim began his (their moon god)”. Meshach could mean either
reign in 608 BC. He ruled part of that year, the “devotee of Shach (their word for the planet
years 607 and 606, and part of the year referred to Venus)” or “who is like Aku?”. Abednego means
in this verse which was 605 BC. Daniel, writing “servant of Nego” (Nego = Nebo – another of
in Babylon, used the Babylonian system of the many gods of Babylon – Isa 46:1).
reckoning and so did not count the year Jehoiakim Why did the chief official give them these
ascended the throne. names? Possibly he considered the gods of Babylon
1:2 2 Chron 36:5-7. Daniel was taken to Babylon more powerful and important than Jehovah the
in that same year, Ezekiel eight years later. God of Israel, or perhaps he wanted these Hebrew
“Shinar”– another name for Babylonia. youths to fit into the society of that country and
1:3-4 Only those regarded as the brightest and thought that Babylonian names would help
best were chosen. We should be glad that this is them in this.
not God’s way of choosing – 1 Cor 1:26-29. Yet 1:8 Daniel would consider this food and wine
God’s good purpose was in the king’s command. defiling because portions of both would have been
God had determined to raise Daniel to the highest offered to false gods. Also the meat would not
place in Babylon, next to the king. have been prepared according to the law God gave
1:3 “Eunuchs”– or “court officials”. It seems that Israel (Lev 11:4-20; Deut 12:23-24). Daniel was
officials in the king’s court were sometimes called a young man, far from his homeland and faced
“eunuchs” even though they may not have been with the choice of offending God or offending
literal eunuchs. the king. With great courage he chose to risk
1:4 “Understanding science” – or “quick to the latter. Holiness was more important to him
understand”. than physical comfort or safety. Christians
“Chaldeans”– Chaldea was the southern part sometimes sin because they are afraid of offending
of Babylonia but sometimes the name was used others, or because of fear for their own safety or
to indicate the whole country. position. This is because the fear of God is not
1:5 “The king’s food”– a sign of the king’s favor. the controlling factor in their lives (Job 28:28;
So God does for believers – Ps 23:5; Isa 25:6; Ps 34:11-14).
Luke 14:16; John 6:48-51; Rev 19:7. 1:9 “God”– God will work on behalf of those
1:6-7 The name Daniel means “My judge is who take their stand for Him. This is seen all
God”, Hananiah means “Jehovah is gracious” through the book of Daniel. See also the case
(Hebrew “Yah” = Jehovah, the LORD), Mishael of Joseph (Gen 39:2-4,20-23).
means “Who is what God is?”, and Azariah 1:10 Daniel feared God, the official feared the
means “Jehovah helps”. The new names given king. This made a big difference in their behavior.
Daniel 1:11 1264

lord the king, who has appointed your food king had specified for bringing them in, the
and your drink. For why should he see your chief of the eunuchs brought them in to the
faces looking worse than the young men who presence of Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king
are of your age? Then you would make me talked with them, and among them all no one
endanger my head to the king”. was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael,
11 Then Daniel said to Melzar whom the and Azariah. Therefore they served in the
chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, king’s presence. 20 And in all the matters of
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please wisdom and understanding about which the
test your servants for ten days; let them give king asked them, he found them ten times
us vegetables to eat, and water to drink. better than all the magicians and astrologers
13 Then let our appearance be inspected in who were in his whole realm.
your presence, along with the appearance 21 And Daniel remained there until the

of the young men who eat of the appointed first year of King Cyrus.
portion of the king’s food. Then deal with
your servants according to what you see”.
14 So he gave his consent to them in this

matter, and tested them for ten days.

2 And in the second year of the reign
of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar
had dreams, which made his spirit so
15 And at the end of ten days, in appearance troubled that his sleep left him. 2 Then the
they looked better and fatter than all the king gave orders to call the magicians, and
young men who ate the portion of the king’s the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the
food. 16 So Melzar took away the portion of Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams. So
their food and the wine that they were to they came and stood before the king. 3 And
drink, and gave them vegetables. the king said to them, “I have had a dream,
17As for these four young men, God gave them and my spirit is anxious to know the dream”.
knowledge and skill in all branches of literature 4 Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king

and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in in Syriac, “O king, live forever! Tell your
all kinds of visions and dreams. servants the dream, and we will tell the
18 Now at the end of the days which the interpretation”.
1:11-14 Daniel began to show the wisdom for 2:2 See Deut 18:10-12. Babylon was overrun with
which he was later famous. such people as are listed here. It was in some
1:15 This was God’s doing. ways probably much like India is today (western
1:16 God caused the guard to cooperate. So the countries are certainly not free of them either).
temptation to eat of the king’s food and the danger of All through the book of Daniel these magicians,
not doing so were overcome. Compare 1 Cor 10:13. enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers are shown
1:17 “God gave”– Job 32:8; Jam 1:5; 2 Pet 3:15. to be completely unable to find out the mind and
The ability to understand visions and dreams will of the one true God. And this is as true of
was a special gift of God over and above the such people now as it was then.
other understanding God gave Daniel. “Astrologers”– the Hebrew word here signifies
1:19 “They served”– God had been preparing them conjurors or enchanters.
for His own service as well. “Chaldeans” (also vs 4,5,10) – Chaldea, the
1:20 This was God’s doing and not merely a southern section of Babylonia, was noted for its
matter of their own intellect and study. astrologers and wise men – so much so that in
1:21 539 BC. This means that Daniel was still some contexts, such as the one here, Chaldeans
living when Cyrus made his proclamation that actually meant astrologers or wise men. Astrology
the Jews could return to Israel (2 Chron 36:22-23). is as empty a superstition now as it was proved to
2:1 “Second year”– 603 BC. See note on the time be in Daniel’s day. The so-called “fate” of men, or
of a king’s reign at 1:1. Daniel and his friends what happens to them day by day, has nothing to
were trained for “three years” (1:5,18). This was do with the position of the stars at their birth or at
probably a round figure including parts of years. any other time. Their future is determined by the
Their first year (or part of a year) of training was true and living God, and while they live on this
the year Nebuchadnezzar ascended the throne, earth the important thing is their relationship to
their second was his first full year as king, their Him and whether they trust and obey and serve
third was in his second full year as king. Him, or not. See note at Gen 25:24.
“Dreams”– God used this means to raise 2:4 The text from this verse to the end of chapter 7
Daniel to a high position in Babylon and to reveal is in the Aramaic language – the language of
important truth through the interpretation of the Aram (Syria). This language was very similar
dream. to Hebrew.
1265 Daniel 2:24
5 The king answered and said to the 14 Then Daniel with good advice and
Chaldeans, “The thing has gone from wisdom answered Arioch the captain of the
me. If you do not make known the dream king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the
to me, along with its interpretation, you wise men of Babylon. 15 He answered and
will be cut in pieces, and your houses will said to Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is
be made heaps of rubbish. 6 But if you tell the decree from the king so urgent?” Then
the dream and its interpretation, you will Arioch revealed the matter to Daniel. 16 Then
receive from me gifts and rewards and great Daniel went in and asked the king to give
honour. Therefore tell me the dream and its him some time, so that he could tell the king
interpretation”. the interpretation.
7 They answered again and said, “May 17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made

the king tell his servants the dream; then the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael,
we will tell the interpretation of it”. and Azariah, his companions, 18 so that they
8 The king answered and said, “I know for would ask mercy from the God of heaven
certain that you would gain time, because concerning this secret, that Daniel and his
you see the thing has gone from me. 9 But if companions would not perish with the rest
you do not make known to me the dream, of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the secret
there is but one decree for you. For you have was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then
prepared lying and corrupt words to speak Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 Daniel
to me, until the time has changed. Therefore responded and said, “Blessed be the name
tell me the dream, and I will know that you of God forever and ever, for wisdom and
can tell me its interpretation”. might are his.
10 The Chaldeans answered the king, and 21 And he changes the times and the

said, “There is not a man on earth who seasons. He removes kings, and sets up kings.
can tell the king’s matter. So no king, lord, He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge
or ruler has ever asked such things of any to those who have understanding.
magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. 11 It 22 He reveals deep and secret things. He

is a difficult thing that the king requires, knows what is in the darkness, and the light
and there is no one who can tell it to the dwells with him.
king, except the gods, whose dwelling is 23 I thank you and praise you, O God of

not with flesh”. my fathers. You have given me wisdom and

12 Because of this the king was angry, power, and have made known to me now
indeed very furious, and gave orders to what we asked from you; for you have now
destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13 When made known to us the king’s matter”.
the decree went out that the wise men 24 Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch,

should be slain, they sought Daniel and his whom the king had appointed to destroy
companions to kill them. the wise men of Babylon; he went and said
2:5-13 No doubt the astrologers and other such the world.
people pretended to have supernatural insights. 2:20 Daniel was as ready to praise as he was to
Now they are put to the test and their ignorance pray. And he did not praise himself for having
exposed. The true God arranged this to show learned the interpretation of the king’s dream.
the folly of looking for answers to such people, He praised God Who gave it.
and to show Himself mighty in behalf of Daniel. “Wisdom and might”– these are the twin
2:12-13 Anger often leads men to speak and themes of this prayer. In this way the true God
act unjustly. is distinguished from the gods of Babylon, and
2:18 Daniel acted very wisely (vs 14-16), but he all other gods.
depended on God, not on his wisdom. 2:21 The course of history and its political
2:19 “Secret”– 2:27-30,47; 4:9. changes are in God’s hands (4:17; 1 Sam 2:6-8;
“Vision”– in Bible days God often revealed Jer 27:5; Rom 13:1).
truth in dreams and visions. Notes at Gen 15:1; 2:22 Job 12:22; Ps 139:11-12; Jer 23:24; Heb 4:13;
Num 12:6. Jam 1:17; 1 John 1:5.
“God of heaven”– the name is used 22 times 2:23 “I thank”– notes on thanksgiving at
in the Old Testament. Of these 17 are in Ezra, Lev 7:12-13; Ps 7:17; 50:14-15; 56:12.
Nehemiah, and Daniel. The true God, the God “Wisdom and power”– Daniel is not boasting
of Israel, is transcendent, far higher than sun, but recognizing God’s good gifts and thanking
moon, and stars, and all the so-called gods of God for them.
Daniel 2:25 1266

this to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of you what is going to happen. 30 But as for me,
Babylon. Bring me into the king’s presence, this secret is not revealed to me because of
and I will tell the king the interpretation”. any wisdom that I have more than any living
25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel into person, but for the sake of those who make
the king’s presence, and said this to him: known the interpretation to the king, and that
“I have found a man among the captives you might know the thoughts of your heart.
of Judah who will make known to the king 31 “You, O king, looked and saw a great

the interpretation”. image. This great image, of exceptional

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, splendour, stood before you, and its form was
whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you awe-inspiring. 32 The head of this image was
able to make known to me the dream which of fine gold, its chest and its arms of silver,
I saw, and its interpretation?” its belly and its thighs of bronze, 33 its legs
27 Daniel answered in the presence of the of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of
king, and said, “The secret which the king clay. 34 You watched until a stone was cut
has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, out without hands. It struck the image on
the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke
tell the king, 28 but there is a God in heaven them to pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay,
who reveals secrets, and makes known to the bronze, the silver, and the gold, were
King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in broken to pieces together, and became like
the latter days. Your dream and the visions the chaff of the summer threshing floors,
of your head on your bed, were these: and the wind carried them away, so that no
29 “As for you, O king, on your bed you had place was found for them. And the stone that
thoughts of what will happen hereafter. And struck the image became a great mountain,
the one who reveals secrets makes known to and filled the whole earth.
2:27-28 First of all, Daniel gives glory to God. Roman emperor, controlled the “world” – that
And he indicates that Babylon’s astrologers, is, the world of the Old and New Testaments.)
magicians, etc were not in touch with the true The rock that struck the image is God’s eternal
God. By all the means at their disposal they kingdom (vs 44,45).
could not tell the king his dream. But God can There have been other great empires since
reveal anything to His servants. Rome’s power waned. Why are they not
2:29 Notice this name for God – “the one who mentioned here? Probably because they are
reveals secrets”. Let us always look to Him to not related to Bible times and are not of central
interpret to us the mysteries of Himself and importance in Bible prophecy.
His Word. Compare Rom 16:25; 1 Cor 2:9-12; 2:34 “Stone”– or “rock”. In the Bible “stone” and
Eph 1:9,17-19; 3:3,9; Col 1:26-27; 2:2. “rock” sometimes symbolize Christ (Ps 118:22;
2:30 He put the emphasis where it belonged. God Isa 28:16; Zech 4:7; 10:4; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:7.
was revealing needed truth, not giving Daniel a For the destructive power of this “stone” see
reason for boasting. There are some who pride Matt 21:42-44). Here the rock is God’s kingdom
themselves in being able to interpret the Bible (vs 44,45), in which, of course, Christ is the King
and tend to forget to praise the One Who gives of kings. The stone is cut out, but not by human
all such ability. hands. In other words it is established not by
2:31 Evidently Daniel saw in vision (v 19) exactly men, but by God Himself.
what the king had seen in his dream, and so could 2:35 The rock striking the statue brings to an end,
describe it in detail. all at the same time, all the kingdoms mentioned.
2:32-45 The statue represents four kingdoms of This indicates either that the first three kingdoms
the world. It seems clear both from the Bible and will be parts of the 4th at the time of its destruction,
from history which kingdoms are meant. The or that with the destruction of the 4th kingdom
head is King Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian all the kingdoms of men (symbolized by the other
empire (vs 37,38). The chest and arms represent three) will come to an end; or it may indicate
the empire which succeeded Babylon (v 39; both of these things. This verse surely speaks of
5:28) – the empire of the Medes and Persians sudden, overwhelming destruction. Not a trace
established by Cyrus. The belly and thighs of those kingdoms will remain after the rock has
represent the empire which succeeded Medo- smashed them. The times of the Gentiles with
Persia (v 39; 8:21) – the empire of Greece and their worldly kingdoms will have an utter end.
Macedonia under Alexander the Great. The legs God’s kingdom which will completely replace
and feet represent the kingdom which replaced man’s kingdoms is compared to a mountain
all the others (v 40) – the Roman Empire. (In that “filled the whole earth”. Compare Isa 2:2-3;
Luke 2:1 we are told that Caesar Augustus, the 11:9; Micah 4:1.
1267 Daniel 2:46
36 “This is the dream. And we will tell its clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly
interpretation in the king’s presence. 37 You, of iron, and partly of clay, so the kingdom
O king, are a king of kings, for the God of will be partly strong, and partly brittle.
heaven has given you a kingdom, power, 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with

and strength, and glory. 38 And wherever common clay, they will be a combination
the children of men live, he has given the of the offspring of men, and will not hold
beasts of the field and the birds of the sky together, just as iron does not mix with clay.
into your hands, and has made you ruler 44 “And in the days of these kings the God

over them all. You are this head of gold. of heaven will set up a kingdom which will
39 “And after you another kingdom will never be destroyed. And the kingdom will
arise, inferior to yours; then another, a third not be left to other people, but it will break
kingdom of bronze, which will rule the whole in pieces and bring to an end all those
earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom will be as kingdoms; and it will stand forever, 45 just
strong as iron; for just as iron breaks in pieces as you saw that the stone was cut out of the
and crushes all things, and as iron shatters, mountain, without hands, and that it broke
it will break in pieces and shatter all these in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the
others. 41 And just as you saw that the feet silver, and the gold. “The great God has
and toes were partly of potter’s clay, and made known to the king what will happen
partly of iron, the kingdom will be divided. hereafter; and the dream is certain, and its
But there will be in it the strength of iron, interpretation sure”.
just as you saw the iron mixed with common 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar prostrated

2:37-38 Jer 27:6-7. Daniel says king kingdoms mentioned in the preceding verses
Nebuchadnezzar is the head of gold. This is (Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Alexander), for God
because the king represented the kingdom (v 39). did not set up His kingdom in those days. In v
2:40-44 More detail is given concerning the fourth 34 we are told that the rock strikes the statue on
kingdom than the other three. The same is true the feet – which must signify the final form of
in chapter 7 where these same four kingdoms the Roman Empire. In any case, for the following
appear again. reasons it seems clear the fulfillment of these
2:40 Iron was a fit symbol of the Roman Empire – things did not take place at the first coming of
hard, strong, able to crush others. It is possible that Christ but awaits the end of this age:
the two legs of the statue symbolize the division of The Roman Empire and the kingdoms which
the Roman Empire into two parts in 394 AD (as preceded it were not suddenly smashed to
the chest with its two arms may speak of the two pieces at the first coming of Christ, nor did
“arms” of the empire of the Medes and Persians, they then disappear with “no place found
and the belly and two thighs may speak of Greece for them”. And the whole earth is not yet
and Macedonia in Alexander’s empire), but this filled with the kingdom of God (vs 34,35).
is not certain. As for the toes, the number is not Moreover, the kings symbolized by the ten horns
given but two feet certainly mean ten toes. And of chapter 7 and Revelation chapter 17 (and no
the toes surely must have the same interpretation doubt by the toes of this chapter) were not in
as the ten horns of 7:7,24 and Rev 13:1; 17:3,12-14, existence at Christ’s first coming (see Rev 17:12 –
since the same kingdom is in view in each of these this is a very important fact which should keep us
visions. See notes on those chapters. The author from thinking that the stone crushing the image
of these notes believes that the final form of the in the way Daniel describes it means Christ at
Roman Empire is still in the future and that His first coming setting up this kingdom).
its sudden destruction will occur at the second But has not the kingdom of God already come?
coming of Christ (Rev 19:11-16). Did not Christ set it up at His first coming? In a
2:41-43 We are not told what the clay may signify, hidden and spiritual sense, yes, and all believers
only that there will be an inherent weakness and are in it. But it has not yet come openly, in its
lack of true unity in this kingdom. The picture manifest form, in its outward glory and splendour,
may suggest a very strong central government and believers are to look forward to its coming
forcing diverse elements together for a time. (Matt 6:10; 19:28; Luke 19:11-12; 21:31; Acts 1:6;
Certainly the final world kingdom of man will Rev 11:15). Notes on God’s kingdom at Matt 4:17.
be like this (Revelation chapter 13). 2:46 “Prostrated”– an amazing sight. The most
2:44 “Kings”– the context indicates feet with its powerful king on earth on his face before a mere
toes, not kings. The word “kings” coming here youth who was an exile from a foreign land.
is evidence that the toes signify kings. God will The king was acknowledging the superiority of
set up His kingdom “in the days of these kings”. Daniel’s God and the supernatural revelation
“These kings” cannot refer to the rulers of the that had come to Daniel.
Daniel 2:47 1268

himself and paid homage to Daniel, and gave the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
orders that they should present an offering 4 Then a herald proclaimed loudly, “This is

and incense to him. 47 The king answered the command given to you, O people of all
Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is God nations and languages: 5 When you hear the
of gods, and Lord of kings, and a revealer of sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp,
secrets, since you could reveal this secret”. dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you must
48 Then the king gave Daniel a high fall down and worship the golden image
position, and gave him many great gifts, that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.
and made him ruler over the whole province 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship

of Babylon, and chief of the governors over will be thrown that same hour into the
all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Then Daniel middle of a blazing fiery furnace”.
made a request of the king, and he placed 7 Therefore at that time, when all the

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over people heard the sound of the horn, flute,
the affairs of the province of Babylon; but zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, all
Daniel sat in the gate of the king. the people of all the nations and languages,
fell down and worshipped the golden image

3 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an

image of gold. Its height was sixty
cubits, and its width six cubits. He set it
that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
8 Therefore at that time some Chaldeans

came near, and accused the Jews. 9 They

up in the plain of Dura, in the province of spoke up and said to King Nebuchadnezzar,
Babylon. 2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, made a
sent men to gather together the princes, the decree, that every man who hears the sound
governors, and the captains, the judges, the of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and
treasurers, the counsellors, the magistrates, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, must fall
and all the officials of the provinces, to down and worship the golden image, 11 and
come to the dedication of the image which whoever does not fall down and worship
Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then must be thrown into the middle of a blazing
the princes, the governors, and captains, fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews
the judges, the treasurers, and counsellors, whom you have set over the affairs of the
the magistrates, and all the officials of province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach,
the provinces gathered together for the and Abednego. These men, O king, have
dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar paid no attention to you. They do not serve
the king had set up, and they stood before your gods, or worship the golden image

“Offering”– we are not told Daniel permitted god to their list, if it does not mean leaving the
this actually to happen. It is very doubtful that gods they have. But God will have no part in
he did. Compare Acts 14:13. this. See note at 1 Kings 18:21.
2:48-49 Compare Gen 41:41-43. Perhaps this 3:7 Fallen man will do almost anything to save
is one reason why the Babylonian empire is his skin. Only a few, comparatively, will not (see
compared to gold (vs 32,38). note at Job 2:4-5). This will be demonstrated to
3:1 “Image”– in the interpretation of the dream the full at the end of this age when the antichrist
Nebuchadnezzar had been called the “head rules the world (Rev 13:15-17).
of gold”. Now he has an image made which is 3:8 “Chaldeans”– these astrologers (note on 2:2)
gold from head to foot (at least, gold-plated – had been saved from death by the Jews (1:12-21).
Isa 40:19). He was a proud man with visions of This is how they tried to reward them (compare
grandeur (4:30). By making this image was he Ps 35:12-18). Daniel is not mentioned in this
not showing what was in his heart? It seems he chapter. There are three possible reasons for
wanted the whole image of chapter 2 to be gold, this. He may have been away from the city of
to be his kingdom alone, with no kingdom ever Babylon on official business; or if he was in the
succeeding his. city he may not have been required, for some
3:2-6 The king had started on the road to a reason or other, to attend the dedication of the
knowledge of the true God (2:47). This matter image; or if he was present at the dedication and
of the image shows he had not come very far. At joined with his friends in refusing to worship
this time the true God to him was merely one of the image (as he certainly would have done had
the gods and he was not about to abandon the he been there), at that time the astrologers may
ones he had always served (v 14). This is often the have been afraid to accuse him because of his
way with men – many are willing to add another high position (2:48).
1269 Daniel 3:27

which you have set up”. he commanded some of the strongest men
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach,
fury gave a command to bring Shadrach, and Abednego, and to throw them into the
Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought blazing fiery furnace. 21 Then these men
these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar were bound in their coats, their trousers,
spoke and said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, their turbans, and their other clothing,
Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not and were thrown into the middle of the
serve my gods, or worship the golden image blazing fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because
which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready the king’s commandment was urgent, and
when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, the furnace exceedingly hot, the flames
zither, lyre, harp, and dulcimer, and all from the fire killed those men who took up
kinds of music, to fall down and worship Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And
the image which I have made, good. But if these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and
you do not worship, in that same hour you Abednego, fell down bound into the middle
will be thrown into the middle of a blazing of the blazing fiery furnace.
fiery furnace. And what God will deliver 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king became

you out of my hands?” astonished, and rose up hurriedly, and

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego spoke, saying to his counsellors, “Did we
answered and said to the king, “O not throw three bound men into the middle
Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to of the fire?” They answered and said to the
answer you in this matter. 17 If it be so, our king, “True, O king”.
God whom we serve is able to deliver us 25 He answered and said, “Look, I see four

from the blazing fiery furnace, and he will men loose, walking in the middle of the fire,
deliver us out of your hands, O king. 18 But if and they are not hurt, and the form of the
not, be it known to you, O king, that we will fourth is like a Son of God”.
not serve your gods, or worship the golden 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the

image which you have set up”. mouth of the blazing fiery furnace, and
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with spoke and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and
fury, and the expression on his face changed Abednego, you servants of the Most High
against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God, come out, and come here”. Then
Therefore he spoke and commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came
the furnace should be heated seven times out of the middle of the fire. 27 And the
more than it was usually heated. 20 And princes, governors, and captains, and the
3:13 “Rage”– 2:12. when the great tribulation (Matt 24:21) looms
3:15 Those who have false views of God and on the horizon.
religion sometimes resort to persecution and 3:19 Verse 13; Prov 19:12,19.
threats of torture or death to get their way 3:25 “A son of God”– this could be translated also
(Acts 8:1; 9:1). “a son of the gods” (the Hebrew word “Elohim”
3:16-18 Like Daniel in 1:8 they courageously here can mean either God or gods. The word for
resolved to risk their lives rather than displease ‘the’ is absent). Nebuchadnezzar meant some sort
God by disobedience to His Word. They well knew of supernatural being (v 28). He served many
what God thought of the worship of anyone or gods and knew nothing about the one Son of the
anything other than Himself. See Ex 20:2-6. They true God. But in the light of the rest of the Bible
were also aware no doubt, that one of the chief we can say that this one who came to be with
reasons for the exile of the Jews to Babylon was his servants was the “messenger” of Jehovah
idolatry (Lev 26:14-39; Deut 27:14-26; Jer 1:16; (note at Gen 16:7). This fiery trial brought the
9:13-14). Son of God to their side. Welcome all trials and
3:16 “We have no need”– this is what the Hebrew tribulations that bring a deeper experience of
here literally means. The KJV translation here His nearness! Compare Isa 43:1-2.
is surprising. 3:26 “Most High God”– 4:2,34; 5:18,21; 7:18.
3:18 “If not”– they accepted God’s will no matter “Come out”– see Ps 66:8-12. They had passed
what it might prove to be, and they were ready this test of faith, had glorified God in the fire.
for anything – certainly ready to escape fiery Now they are brought out to a place of abundance.
persecution and death, but equally ready to God does not always deliver His servants in a
endure them if necessary. Their attitude is an miraculous way; He calls on some of them to lay
example to all believers facing trouble now, down their lives for Him (Heb 11:35-38). And
and to all God’s people at the end of this age whatever He decides in individual cases is best.
Daniel 3:28 1270

king’s counsellors, being gathered together, known to me the interpretation of the dream.
saw these men on whose bodies the fire 7 Then the magicians, the astrologers, the

had no power. Not a hair of their head was Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came, and
singed, nor were their clothes affected, nor I told the dream to them, but they did not
was the smell of fire on them. reveal its interpretation to me. 8 But finally
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, Daniel came into my presence. His name
“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, is Belteshazzar, after the name of my god.
and Abednego, who sent his angel, and The Spirit of the holy gods is in him; and I
rescued his servants who trusted in him, told the dream to him, saying,
and frustrated the king’s command and gave 9 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians,

up their bodies rather than serve or worship because I know that the Spirit of the holy
any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore gods is in you, and no secret troubles you, tell
I make a decree that the people of any nation me the visions of my dream that I saw, and
or language who speak anything improper its interpretation. 10 These are the visions of
against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, my head on my bed: I looked and saw a tree
and Abednego, will be cut in pieces, and in the middle of the earth, and its height was
their houses will be made a pile of rubbish. great. 11 The tree grew, and became strong,
Because there is no other God who can and its height reached to the sky, and it could
rescue in this way”. be seen to the ends of the whole earth. 12 Its
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, leaves were beautiful, and its fruit abundant,
Meshach, and Abednego in the province and on it was food for all. The beasts of the
of Babylon. field had shade under it, and the birds of the
heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh

4 “Nebuchadnezzar the king to all peoples

and nations of all languages who live
in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.
was fed from it.
13 “On my bed I looked in the visions of

my head, and saw a watcher, a holy one

2 “I thought it good to tell of the signs and coming down from heaven. 14 He cried
wonders that the Most High God has done out loudly, and said this: ‘Chop down the
for me. 3 “How great are his signs! And how tree, and cut off its branches. Shake off its
mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts
everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is get away from under it, and the birds from
from generation to generation. its branches. 15 But leave the stump from its
4 “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my roots in the ground, with a band of iron and
house, and flourishing in my palace. 5 I bronze, in the tender grass of the field; and
saw a dream which made me afraid, and let it become wet with the dew of heaven,
on my bed my thoughts and the visions of and let his portion be with the beasts in the
my head troubled me. 6 Therefore I gave an grass of the earth. 16 Let his heart be changed
order to bring all the wise men of Babylon from that of a man, and let a beast’s heart be
into my presence, so that they might make given to him, and let seven times pass over

3:28-30 The king takes another step forward in 4:6-7 Compare 2:5-9. This time the king was
the knowledge of the true God (2:47). Pharaoh making it much easier for these “wise” men. But
in Egypt did not react like this when he saw they failed once more, as they always must and
God’s wonders (Ex 8:15,32; 9:34). In Babylon will wherever they may be.
God was being gracious not only to His servants 4:7 “Astrologers...Chaldeans”– see 2:2.
but to the king. 4:8 1:7.
3:29 “No other God who can rescue”– a true and “Holy gods”– or, possibly “holy God”.
powerful testimony from an idolatrous king. He 4:9 He had not yet understood that Daniel was
well knew that none of the gods of Babylon had not a magician at all, that the source of Daniel’s
ever done anything like this. In 6:27 we have a wisdom was not any kind of magic, but the true
similar testimony. God alone.
4:1-37 This chapter gives the record of how 4:13 “Watcher”– (also in vs 17,23) – are there not,
God brought the king to a deeper knowledge of then, some angels appointed especially by God
Himself. The king himself wrote it down and, to keep watch over the earth?
presumably, published it far and wide (vs 1,2). “Holy one”– an angel.
4:3 2:44. 4:16 “Seven times”– also verses 23,25,32. This
4:5 2:1. almost certainly means seven years. See also 7:25.
1271 Daniel 4:33

him. 17 This matter is by the decree of the this is the decree of the Most High, which
watchers, and the decision by the word of has come against my master the king: 25 They
the holy ones, so that the living may know will drive you from men, and your dwelling
that the Most High rules in the kingdom of will be with the beasts of the field, and they
men, and gives it to whomever he will, and will make you eat grass like oxen, and they
sets over it the lowliest of men.’ will wet you with the dew of sky. And seven
18 “This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, times will pass over you, until you know
have seen. Now you, O Belteshazzar, declare that the Most High rules in the kingdom
its interpretation, since none of the wise men of men, and gives it to whomever he will.
of my kingdom are able to make known to 26 And as for their command to leave the

me the interpretation. But you are able, for stump from the tree roots, your kingdom
the Spirit of the holy gods is in you. will be assured to you, after you learn that
19 “Then Daniel, whose name is heaven rules. 27 Therefore, O king, let my
Belteshazzar, was astonished for one hour, counsel be acceptable to you, and break
and his thoughts troubled him. The king off your sins by practicing righteousness,
spoke and said, Belteshazzar, do not let and your evil deeds by showing mercy to
the dream or its interpretation trouble you. the poor. Perhaps your tranquility will long
“Belteshazzar answered and said, ‘My continue.’ ”
master, may the dream be for those who 28 All this came on King Nebuchadnezzar.

hate you, and its interpretation for your 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking

enemies. 20 The tree that you saw, which in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon,
grew and became strong, its height reaching 30 and the king spoke and said, “Is not this

to the sky, and its appearance to the whole great Babylon, that I have built for a royal
earth, 21 with its beautiful leaves, and its residence by the might of my power, and for
abundant fruit, and on which was food for the honour of my majesty?”
all, and under which the beasts of the field 31 While the word was still in the king’s

lived, and on whose branches the birds of mouth, a voice fell from heaven, saying,
the sky had their dwelling place, 22 this tree “O King Nebuchadnezzar, this is spoken
isyou, O king, who have grown and become to you: The kingdom has departed from
strong. For your greatness has increased and you. 32 And they will drive you from men,
reaches to the heavens, and your dominion and your dwelling will be with the beasts
to the ends of the earth. of the field. They will make you eat grass
23 “‘And as for the king seeing a watcher and like oxen, and seven times will pass over
a holy one coming down from heaven, and you, until you learn that the Most High
saying, “Chop down the tree, and destroy rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it
it, but leave the stump from its roots in the to whomever he will”.
ground with a band of iron and bronze, in 33 That same hour this word was fulfilled

the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet in Nebuchadnezzar; and he was driven from
with the dew of heaven, and let his portion men, and ate grass like oxen, and his body
be with the beasts of the field, until seven became wet with the dew of the sky, until
times pass over him”. his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers, and
24 “‘This is the interpretation, O king, and his nails like birds’ claws.
4:17 In spite of the truth the king had heard in 4:27 Again we see Daniel’s boldness and
2:36-45 he had not yet understood this fact (v 25). faithfulness in dealing with those in high places.
4:19 Sometimes God’s servants must speak “To the poor”– God demands that those in
unwelcome truth. positions of authority show justice and kindness.
4:22 “Tree”– in the Bible individuals and nations 4:30 The king had a whole year to think over the
are sometimes compared to trees (Ps 1:3; 37:35; truth God had given through Daniel. But pride
52:8; 92:12; Isa 17:6; Jer 11:16; Ezek 17:22-24; is a great enemy of truth and hardens the heart
Rom 11:17). against it (5:20). God’s attitude toward pride is
4:26 “Heaven rules”– that is, the God of heaven seen in His Word – Prov 6:16-17; 8:13; Isa 2:10-18;
rules. This is a fact clearly revealed in the Bible 23:9; Jer 13:9; Jam 4:6.
– Ps 10:16; 47:2 (note); 93:1; 96:10; 97:1; Isa 52:7; 4:31 “A voice fell from heaven”– another instance
Rev 19:6. But how slow, how reluctant people of God’s remarkable dealings with this king.
are to acknowledge it! Much of man’s history is 4:33 God will always do as He has said (Prov 19:21;
the story of rebellion against heaven’s authority. Isa 14:24; 44:26; 46:10; Matt 5:18).
Daniel 4:34 1272
34 “And at the end of these days I, wine in the presence of the thousand.
Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, 2 Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, gave

and my understanding returned to me, and orders to bring the gold and silver vessels
I extolled the Most High, and I praised and which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken
honoured him who lives forever, “Whose from the temple which was in Jerusalem,
dominion is an everlasting dominion, so that the king, and his princes, his wives,
and whose kingdom is from generation to and his concubines, might drink from them.
generation. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth count had been taken from the temple, the house
for nothing; and he does according to his of God which had been in Jerusalem; and
will in the army of heaven, and among the the king, and his princes, his wives, and his
inhabitants of the earth, and no one can concubines, drank from them. 4 They drank
hold back his hand, or say to him, ‘What wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver,
are you doing?’ of bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
36 “At the same time my reason returned to 5 In the same hour the fingers of a man’s

me, and my honour and splendour returned hand appeared and wrote opposite the
to me for the glory of my kingdom. And my candlestick on the plaster of the wall of the
counsellors and my nobles sought me out, king’s palace. And the king saw the part
and I was established in my kingdom, and of the hand that was writing. 6 Then the
excellent majesty was added to me. 37 Now king’s expression changed, and his thoughts
I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and so alarmed him that the joints of his hips
honour the King of heaven, whose works are became slack and his knees knocked together.
all in truth, and whose ways are just; and 7 The king loudly called out orders to bring

those who walk in pride he is able to abase”. in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the
soothsayers. And the king spoke and said to

5 Belshazzar the king made a great feast

for a thousand of his nobles, and drank
the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads
this writing, and tells me its interpretation,
4:34 “Lifted up my eyes”– an indication that reason simply means ancestor. Nebuchadnezzar died
and sanity were returning to the king. Men in 562 BC and was succeeded by his son Evil-
who will not look to God for help, who will not Merodach (2 Kings 25:27; Jer 52:31). Belshazzar
acknowledge God’s greatness and authority, are came to power in Babylon many years later and
spiritually insane, and behave like the greatest after a brief reign was slain in 539 BC.
of fools (Ps 14:1; Eccl 9:3). Here the king does 5:2 “Wine”– Prov 20:1; Isa 5:12; 21:5; (about
what God said he must do. See the word “until” Babylon) Jer 51:57.
in vs 25,32. “Father”– or “ancestor”, or “predecessor” (also
4:35 “Nothing”– Isa 40:15-17. in verses 11,13,18. See note on Gen 5:6-32).
“According to his will”– Ps 115:3; 135:6; “Jerusalem”– 2 Kings 24:13; Jer 52:19.
Rom 11:33-36. 5:3-4 They were not acting in ignorance of
“What are you doing”– Deut 32:39; Job 9:4; previous events (vs 22,23). They were showing
Isa 45:9; Rom 9:20. The king learned what all their utter contempt for Jehovah, the God of
men should learn. The one true God has absolute, Israel, the God of heaven, the only God there is.
eternal authority over the earth and the universe. Having rejected the true God the only gods left
If we rebel and live as we please without reference to praise were those made by men – Ps 115:3-8.
to Him, we will pay the price for such folly and 5:5 “In the same hour”– God was fed up enough.
sin. His patience with these ungodly men was at an
4:36 This was altogether of God’s grace. The King end. Compare Gen 6:3; Prov 29:1.
of heaven is a God of love, mercy and kindness. 5:6 No doubt Belshazzar had seen the tricks and
4:37 It is a great thing and shows a great work seeming wonders of his magicians. This was his
of God in the heart when a man stops praising first encounter with a true sign from heaven.
himself and what he has done, and starts praising “Expression”– the Hebrew word (translated
God. “countenance” in the KJV) literally means
“Just”– Deut 32:4; Ps 33:4-5. “brightness” or “bright appearance”.
“Abase”– Ps 18:27; Prov 3:34; 16:18; Jam 4:10. 5:7-9 In spite of their repeated failures (2:10-13;
5:1 Belshazzar means “May Bel protect the king”. 4:7) such people retained their hold on Babylon.
But Bel (the Babylonian god Marduk) could But neither threats of death, nor promises of
not and did not do that – vs 30,31. In vs 2,11,18 power could get any wisdom out of them, any
Nebuchadnezzar is called Belshazzar’s father. As true interpretation of dreams or events. Such men
often in the Old Testament the word father here are as useless today as they were then.
1273 Daniel 5:24

will be clothed in scarlet, and have a chain Now if you can read this writing, and make
of gold placed around his neck, and will known to me its interpretation, you will be
become the third ruler in the kingdom”. clothed in scarlet, and have a chain of gold
8 So in came all the king’s wise men, but around your neck, and will become the third
they could not read the writing, or reveal ruler in the kingdom”.
its interpretation to the king. 9 Then King 17 Then Daniel answered and said in

Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and the the king’s presence, “Let your gifts be for
expression on his face changed, and his yourself, and give your rewards to another.
nobles were astonished. Yet I will read the writing to the king, and
10 Now the queen, because of the words of make known to him the interpretation.
the king and his nobles, came into the banquet 18 “O king, the Most High God gave

hall, and the queen spoke and said, “O king, Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom,
live forever! Do not let your thoughts alarm and majesty, and glory, and honour.
you, or let your expression change. 11 There 19 And because of the majesty that he gave

is a man in your kingdom in whom is the him, all peoples, nations, and men of all
spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your languages, trembled and were afraid in his
father light and understanding and wisdom, presence. He killed whomever he wished,
like the wisdom of the gods, was found in and kept alive whomever he wished, and
him. King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, he elevated whomever he wished, and put
your father the king, made him the head over down whomever he wished. 20 But when his
the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and heart was lifted up and his mind hardened
soothsayers, 12 because an excellent spirit and with pride, he was deposed from his kingly
knowledge and understanding, the ability throne, and they took his glory from him,
to interpret dreams and explain riddles and 21 and he was driven from the sons of men,

solve difficult problems were found in this and his heart was made like that of the
Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. beasts, and his dwelling place was with the
Now let Daniel be called, and he will reveal wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like
the interpretation”. oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of
13 Then Daniel was brought into the heaven, until he learned that the Most High
presence of the king. And the king spoke God rules in the kingdom of men, and that
and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel he appoints over it whomever he will.
who is one of those captives from Judah, 22 “And you, his son, O Belshazzar, have not

whom the king my father brought from humbled your heart, though you knew all this,
Judah? 14 I have heard of you, that the spirit 23 but have lifted up yourself against the Lord

of the gods is in you, and that light and of heaven. And they have brought the vessels
understanding and excellent wisdom are of his temple to you, and you, and your nobles,
found in you. 15 And now the wise men, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk
the astrologers, have been brought into my wine from them. And you have praised the
presence that they might read this writing, gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood,
and reveal its interpretation to me, but they and stone, which do not see or hear or know
could not tell the interpretation of the thing. anything; and the God in whose hands your
16 And I have heard of you, that you can give breath is, and all your ways, you have not
interpretations and solve difficult problems. glorified. 24 So the part of the hand was sent
5:10 “Queen”– the wives of Belshazzar were already 5:17 This prophet was not for hire – unlike Balaam
present (v 3). This one who came in later was probably and many others since (2 Pet 2:15; 1 Tim 6:5).
either the mother or grandmother of Belshazzar, and 5:20 4:29-30.
so, in this case, queen means “queen mother”. 5:22 “Son”– here means “descendant”, or
5:11-13 Evidently Daniel had been shoved aside “successor” (see note on Gen 5:6-32).
from the high position he held in the days of “Knew”– this made Belshazzer’s action in
Nebuchadnezzar (2:48), and almost forgotten. vs 1-4 so much more worthy of condemnation.
5:16 Did Belshazzar think that only promises Compare Heb 10:26-27; 2 Pet 2:21.
of great reward would move Daniel to declare 5:23 “Lifted up yourself”– Jer 48:10; 50:29.
the truth? How mistaken he was appears in the “In whose hands your breath is”– see Job 12:10.
next verse. God’s true servants never need to be How insane it is to refuse to honor God Who
bribed or paid to declare God’s Word, and they has absolute authority over our lives now and
do not do so for money or men’s rewards. over our eternal destinies.
Daniel 5:25 1274

from him, and this inscription was written. and the king might not suffer loss. 3 Then
25 “And this is the inscription that this Daniel distinguished himself among the
was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, presidents and satraps, because an excellent
UPHARSIN spirit was in him. And the king considered
26 “This is the interpretation of the words: setting him over the whole realm. 4 Then the
MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, presidents and satraps sought to find a matter
and put an end to it. for an accusation against Daniel concerning
27 TEKEL: You have been weighed in the the kingdom. but they could find no such
balances and found wanting. matter or fault, because he was faithful, and
28 PERES: Your kingdom is divided and no error or corruption was found in him.
given to the Medes and Persians”. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any
29 Then Belshazzar gave orders, and they matter against this Daniel, unless we find it
clothed Daniel in scarlet, and put a chain against him concerning the law of his God”.
of gold around his neck, and made a 6 Then these presidents and satraps came

proclamation concerning him, that he would together to the king, and said this to him,
be the third ruler in the kingdom. “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the presidents
30 In that night Belshazzar the king of of the kingdom, the governors and the
the Chaldeans was slain. 31 And Darius the satraps, the counsellors and the commanders,
Mede took the kingdom, being about sixty- have consulted together about establishing
two years old. a royal law and making a firm decree, that
whoever makes a prayer to any God or man

6 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom

a hundred and twenty satraps, who would
be over the whole kingdom, 2 and over these,
for thirty days, except to you, O king, will be
thrown into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king,
establish the decree, and sign the document,
three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, so so that it cannot be changed, according to
that the satraps might be accountable to them, the law of the Medes and Persians, which is
5:25 These words were in Aramaic, a language broken up, ended. The end of the Babylonian
of same family as Hebrew. Only consonants empire was at hand, and the Persians would
in the words would have been written (as with take it over.
Hebrew). They were written in such a way 5:29 Though the interpretation brought bad
that the wise men of Babylon could not be sure news to Belshazzar he did as he said he would
what words were meant (v 8). Of course they in v 16. Daniel accepted the position probably
could have no idea what the interpretation of with a view to the influence he might bring to
them might be. bear on the new rulers of Babylon for the good
“Upharsin”– the “u” at the beginning of this of the Jews.
word means “and” in Aramaic, and is omitted 5:30 Babylon was a large city with very high and
in some versions. Pharsin or Parsin is a plural thick walls, and strongly fortified. But it fell to
form (the “in” ending of the word indicates the Medes and Persians just as God said it would
the plural). The consonants which appeared (2:39; Isa 13:1,17,18; Jer 50:1-2).
on the wall were the Aramaic for MN, MN, 5:31 “Darius the Mede”– Cyrus was the chief
TKL, PRSN. Vowels were not written in the ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire (1:21; 6:28;
original. The vowels now found in the Hebrew 10:1; Ezra 1:1-4; Isa 45:1-4). Darius must have
Old Testament Scriptures were not put there been appointed by Cyrus to rule over Babylon.
until many centuries had passed after the words 6:2 No doubt Daniel came to his notice because
were first written down. of the position he already occupied (5:29).
5:26 Daniel revealed what the words were and “Daniel was one”– when used in a series (first,
what God meant by them. MN, signifying “mene”, second, etc) the Hebrew word means “first”,
means “numbered”, and the interpretation is otherwise it means “one”.
that God had counted up the full time He would 6:4 Envy lifted its poisonous head. See Prov 14:30;
permit Babylon to be ruled by Belshazzar and 27:4; Matt 27:18; Acts 7:9; 13:45; 17:5; Rom 1:29;
the time was over. 13:13; 1 Cor 3:3; Gal 5:26; Jam 3:14,16.
5:27 TKL, signifying “tekel”, means “weighed”, “No error or corruption”– the inability of enemies
but it was not some commodity or unit of money to find anything wrong in a person’s life is a
being weighed, but Belshazzar himself. Compare great testimony for him. See also Mark 14:55;
Job 31:6; Ps 62:9; Prov 16:2. John 18:38; 19:4,6; 1 Pet 3:13-16; 4:14-16.
5:28 Daniel gives a double meaning to the three 6:7 “All”– a lie. Daniel had not agreed to their
consonants PRS. “Peres” meant “divided”, plan, and they knew he never would agree to
“Paras” meant “Persia”. Divided here would mean elevate any man to the place of God.
1275 Daniel 6:26

unalterable”. 9 Therefore King Darius signed den’s mouth, and the king sealed it with his
the document containing the decree. own signet ring, and with the signet rings of
10 Now when Daniel knew that the his nobles, so that the purpose concerning
document had been signed, he went into Daniel might not be changed. 18 Then the
his house, and the windows in his room king went to his palace, and spent the night
being open toward Jerusalem, he got down fasting; nor were instruments of music
on his knees three times a day, and prayed brought before him; and his sleep left him.
and gave thanks in the presence of his God, 19 Then the king arose very early in the

just as he did before. 11 Then these men morning, and hurried to the den of lions.
came together, and found Daniel praying 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out

and making supplication before his God. with an anguished voice to Daniel. And the
12 Then they approached the king and king spoke and said to Daniel, “O Daniel,
spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Did servant of the living God, has your God,
you not sign a decree stating that every whom you serve continually, been able to
man who requests anything from any God rescue you from the lions?”
or man for thirty days, except from you, O 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king,

king, will be cast into the den of lions?” The live forever! 22 My God has sent his angel, and
king answered and said, “The statement is has shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have
true, according to the law of the Medes and not hurt me, because I was found innocent
Persians, which is unalterable”. in his presence. And also I have done no
13 Then they answered and said to the king, wrong before you, O king”.
“That Daniel, who is one of those captives from 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad for

Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for him, and gave orders to take Daniel up out
the decree that you signed, but makes his prayer of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of
three times a day”. 14 Then the king, when he the den, and no injury at all was found on
heard these words, was deeply distressed, and him, because he had trusted in his God.
set his heart on Daniel to rescue him; and he 24 And the king gave orders, and they

made efforts until sunset to rescue him. brought those men who had accused
15 Then these men came together to the Daniel and threw them into the den of lions,
king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, them, their children, and their wives. And
that the law of the Medes and Persians is the lions overpowered them, and broke all
this: no decree or statute which the king their bones in pieces before they got to the
establishes may be changed”. bottom of the den.
16 Then the king gave an order, and they 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples,

brought Daniel and threw him into the nations, and those of all languages who live on
den of lions. Now the king spoke and said the whole earth: “Peace be multiplied to you.
to Daniel, “Your God whom you serve 26 I issue a decree that in every dominion of my

continually, will rescue you”. kingdom men must tremble and fear before
17 And a stone was brought, and laid on the the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God,
6:10 Daniel did not close the windows and resort 6:22 Ps 37:3-6.
to secret prayer. In his faithfulness to God and 6:23 “Because he had trusted”– 1 Chron 5:20;
courage in the face of danger he was an example not Ps 22:13,21; 91:1-2,9,10,13-15; Heb 11:33.
only to those of his own day but to all succeeding 6:24 Ps 37:34; 91:8; 7:15-16; Prov 26:27.
generations. If he considered something right to 6:25-27 Because of Daniel, some of the mightiest
do, he did it regardless of consequences. monarchs in ancient times wrote down professions
“Thanks”– notes on thanksgiving at Lev 7:12-13; of faith in the greatness of the God of Israel,
Ps 7:17; 50:14-15; 56:12; Eph 5:20. and sent them everywhere. This is an example
6:14 “Distressed”– v 18; Mark 6:26. Rulers often of what one man can do who boldly and openly
bring grief to themselves and others by foolish stands for God in all circumstances. King Darius
decisions. meant well in making this decree (v 26). He was
6:16 Verse 20. Another testimony to Daniel’s trying to turn his whole kingdom to thoughts of
character (v 4). the God of Daniel. It seems he little realized that
6:20 “The living God”– a remarkable phrase from fear and reverence for God cannot be a matter of
the lips of an idolater who had issued the decree a proclamation of a king no matter how powerful.
of v 7. Was faith in the true God beginning to These things must come from the heart made
awaken in his heart? new by God’s Spirit.
Daniel 6:27 1276

and continues on forever, and his kingdom made to stand on its feet like a man, and a
will not be destroyed, and his dominion will man’s heart was given to it.
be to the end. 5 “And then appeared another beast, a
27 He delivers and rescues, and he performs second, like a bear; and it raised itself up on
signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth
he who has delivered Daniel from the power between its teeth. And this was said to it:
of the lions”. ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’
28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of 6 “After this I looked, and another beast

Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. appeared, like a leopard, which had on its
back four wings of a bird. Also the beast had

7 In the first year of Belshazzar, king of

Babylon, Daniel, on his bed, had a dream
and visions came to his mind. Then he wrote
four heads; and dominion was given to it.
7 “After this I was watching in the night

visions, and then a fourth beast appeared,

down the dream, relating the substance of dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong,
the words. and it had great iron teeth. It was devouring
2 Daniel spoke and said, “I saw in my and crushing, and trampling what remained
vision at night, and there appeared the four with its feet. And it was different from all the
winds of heaven stirring up the great sea. beasts that preceded it; and it had ten horns.
3 And four great beasts came up from the 8 “I considered the horns, and then another

sea, different from one another. horn, a little one, appeared, which came
4 “The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s up among them. Before it three of the first
wings. I watched until its wings were plucked horns were uprooted. And eyes appeared
off, and it was lifted up from the earth, and in this horn like a man’s eyes, and a mouth
6:28 “In the reign of Darius and in the reign of acknowledgment of the true God, Babylon lost
Cyrus”– this could possibly be translated “In something of its beastly character.
the reign of Darius, that is, the reign of Cyrus”. 7:5 The bear symbolizes the empire of the Medes
See note on 5:31. and Persians. The bear was raised up on one side
7:1 “First year”– before the events of chapter 5. – that is, Persia was the more dominant power
Giving dreams and visions was one way God in this alliance. The three ribs may symbolize
revealed His truth to the prophets (Gen 15:1; the three principal kingdoms conquered by the
Num 12:6). Medes and Persians – Lydia, Egypt, and Babylon.
7:2 The great sea here may indicate the 7:6 The leopard symbolizes Alexander’s Greco-
Mediterranean, but it could indicate the nations Macedonian empire. The leopard is a swifter beast
and people of the world (compare v 17 – “out of than the others mentioned and the four wings
the earth”, and Isa 17:12-13; Rev 13:1; 17:1,15). add to the suggestion of very rapid movement.
“Four winds”– north, south, east and west – here Alexander’s swift conquests were a marvel in
may possibly symbolize the forces in the whole the ancient world.
world that God uses to produce in the world the “Four heads”– after Alexander’s death what
four kingdoms of this chapter. remained of his empire was divided into four
7:3-7 The four beasts symbolize four kingdoms parts.
(v 17). They seem to be the same four kingdoms 7:7 This beast symbolizes the Roman Empire,
king Nebuchadnezzar saw in the form of a statue the same kingdom symbolized by the legs and
(chapter 2). In this vision God caused them feet of the image of chapter 2. Just as in chapter 2
to appear as wild beasts. By this symbolism it is the fourth kingdom to arise beginning with
something of their true nature is revealed. Babylon. Other features of its description also
The following interpretation of the identity suggest its identity with the fourth kingdom
of these kingdoms is the one taught by most of chapter 2.
commentators who believe the book of Daniel. “Iron”– 2:33,40;
It seems more likely to be the right one than “crushing”– 2:40;
any other interpretation. For a possible reason “ten”– 2:42,44; 7:24. These ten horns together
why God gave different dreams about the same with the description of the “little horn” and the
kingdoms see Gen 41:32. judgment of God in the following verses indicate
7:4 The first beast symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar’s the Roman Empire in its final form at the end of
Babylonian empire. The prophets spoke of this age (2:40,44). Revelation chapter 17 makes it
Nebuchadnezzar as both a lion and an eagle clear that this beast is associated with the city of
(Jer 4:7; 48:40; 49:22; 50:17; Ezek 17:3,12). Rome (Rev 17:3,9,18), and Rev 17:12 states that
“Like a man”– with Nebuchadnezzar’s the ten kings had not yet arisen in John’s day.
experience recorded in chapter 4 and his 7:8 The ten horns are kings (v 24), so it is safe
1277 Daniel 7:18

speaking big things. then

13 “I watched in the night visions, and
9 “I watched until thrones were set in one like the Son of man appeared, coming
place, and the Ancient of Days sat down. with the clouds of heaven; and he came
His garment was as white as snow, and the to the Ancient of Days, and they brought
hair of his head like pure wool. His throne him near before him. 14 And dominion, and
was like a fiery flame, and its wheels like glory, and a kingdom were given to him, so
blazing fire. that all peoples, nations, and those of all
10 A stream of fire came out, issuing from languages, would serve him. His dominion
his presence. Thousands upon thousands is an everlasting dominion, which will not
ministered to him, and ten thousand times pass away, and his kingdom one which will
ten thousand stood before him. The court not be destroyed.
of judgment was seated, and the books 15 “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit

were opened. within me, and the visions coming to my

11 “I watched then because of the sound mind troubled me. 16 I approached one of
of the great words which the horn spoke. I those who stood by, and asked him the truth
watched until the beast was slain, and his about all this.
body destroyed and given to the blazing So he told me, and made known to me the
flame. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, they interpretation of these things:
had their dominion taken away, but their 17 “‘These great beasts, which are four, are

lives were prolonged for a season and a time. four kings who arise out of the earth. 18 But
to assume that this “little horn” symbolizes a first three beasts (vs 4-6) lost their power one by
king. Though he is called “little” he is “more one, but the nations they symbolized were not
imposing” than the others (v 20. The Hebrew immediately destroyed.
means “in sight greater”), and evidently he soon 7:13 “Son of man”– Rev 1:13. This name the Lord
becomes the dominant figure (v 21). “Little” may Jesus often applied to Himself (Matt 16:13-15;
indicate lowly beginnings or the comparative 24:27,30; Luke 19:10. The name appears more
insignificance of the kingdom from which he than 80 times in the Gospels). The title indicates
comes. The eyes of a man suggest intelligence the Son of God’s true humanity.
or cunning. The mouth that speaks boastfully “Clouds”– in the Old Testament signified the
suggests the person described in 2 Thess 2:4 and presence of God (Deut 33:26; Ps 97:2; 104:3;
Rev 13:5-6, the antichrist who will arise at the Isa 19:1. In the New Testament see Matt 24:30;
end of this age and be the ruler of the Roman 26:64; Mark 13:26; Rev 1:7). The picture here is
Empire in its final form. of the one true God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ,
7:9-14 Here is a picture of judgment. With the coming into the presence of God the Father.
brutal and boastful form of the fourth beast man’s The next verse speaks of all people “serving” (or
kingdoms will come to an end. These verses refer “worshiping” – the Hebrew word means both)
to the same time period as 2:34,44,45. the Son of man. This is a further indication of
7:9 “Thrones”– a possible connection with the His true deity.
thrones of Rev 4:4. 7:14 This receiving of sovereign power seems to
“Set in place”– or “cast down”. Strange as it be at the time of the destruction of the 4th beast at
may seem, the Hebrew can mean either (see the the end of this age. It corresponds with the events
note at Ps 14:7). If “cast down” is taken as the described in 2:34-35,44. Revelation chapter 5
meaning, it refers to the thrones of earth’s kings. seems connected with these same events. It is
“Ancient of Days”– the Hebrew means “one true that the Lord Jesus has already received
advanced in days” and would, except for the authority (Matt 28:18) and His kingdom is
context, mean simply an old person. Here it established in the hearts of His people. But
means God Himself sitting in judgment. the time to come to earth and reign openly
“Wheels”– here are connected with the throne. as king has not yet come. He still waits until
Compare Ezek 1:15-21,26,27. His enemies are made a footstool for His feet
7:10 “Fire”– Ps 50:3; 97:3; Isa 29:6; 30:27-28,33; (Acts 2:35; Heb 10:13). When the time comes for
2 Thess 1:7-8; Heb 12:29. man’s kingdoms to be judged and destroyed He
“Thousands”– Rev 5:11; Jude 14,15. will come and openly set up His own kingdom
“Books”– 12:1; Ex 32:32; Ps 69:28; Mal 3:16; (2:45; Rev 19:11-16).
Rev 20:12-15. 7:15 “Within me”– the meaning of the Hebrew
7:11 God’s judgment will result in the total word translated “body” here in the KJV is
destruction of the fourth beast and the fiery doubtful, but may mean “sheath” or “scabbard”.
punishment of the little horn who will head it 7:16 “One of those”– an angel.
up (Rev 19:20). 7:17 “Kings”– they represent the four kingdoms
7:12 Before the death of the fourth beast the (v 23).
Daniel 7:19 1278

the saints of the Most High will take the hands until a time and times and half a time.
kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, 26 “‘But the court of judgment will sit, and

forever and ever.’ they will take away his dominion to consume
19 “Then I wanted to know the truth about and to destroy it forever. 27And the kingdom
the fourth beast, which was different from and dominion, and the greatness of the
all the others, exceedingly dreadful, whose kingdoms under the whole heavens, will be
teeth were of iron, and whose nails were given to the saints, the people of the Most High,
of bronze, which devoured, crushed, and whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; and
trampled what remained with its feet; 20 and all dominions will serve and obey him.’
of the ten horns which were on its head, and 28 “This is the end of the matter. As for me,

of the other horn which came up, and before Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me,
whom three fell, that horn which had eyes and the expression on my face changed, but
and a mouth that spoke big things, whose I kept the matter in my heart”.
appearance was more imposing than his
associates. 21 As I watched, the same horn
made war with the saints, and prevailed
against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days
8 In the third year of the reign of King
Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, to
me, Daniel, after the one which appeared to
came, and judgment was given to the saints me the first time. 2 And while I was looking
of the Most High, and the time came for the in a vision it came about as I watched that
saints to possess the kingdom. I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in
23 “‘He said this, “The fourth beast will the province of Elam; and I saw that in the
be the fourth kingdom on earth. It will be vision I was by the river Ulai. 3 Then I lifted
different from all the kingdoms, and will up my eyes and looked, and a ram appeared
devour the whole earth, and trample it down, there, standing beside the river. It had two
and crush it. 24 And the ten horns are ten horns, and the two horns were long, but one
kings who will arise from this kingdom, and was longer than the other, and the longer
another will arise after them; and he will be one came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing
different from the earlier ones, and he will westward, and northward, and southward, so
subdue three kings. 25 And he will speak words that no beast could withstand him, nor was
against the Most High, and will wear out the there any that could rescue from his hands,
saints of the Most High, and plan to change but he did as he pleased and became great.
times and laws. And they will be given into his 5 And as I was considering this, a male goat

7:18 “Saints”– vs 22,27; Matt 5:5; 19:28-29; no man can know how long or how short this
25:34; Luke 22:29-30; Rom 4:13; Rev 2:26-27; time period will be.
3:21; 20:4-6. 7:26 Rev 19:19-21.
7:21 Verse 25; Matt 24:21; Rev 13:7,15. 7:27 The kingdoms of the world are not said
7:22 The antichrist will persecute and slay God’s to be destroyed, but handed over to the saints.
saints until the second coming of Christ. The They will reign with Christ (references at v 18).
“horn” can defeat the saints, but not their Lord. “Serve”– the Hebrew word also means
7:23 Verse 7. “worship” – Ps 22:27; 72:11; 86:9; Zech 14:16-19;
7:24 “Ten kings”– judging from 2:44 and Rev 17:12 Rev 21:24.
these kings all live at the same time just before 8:1 551 BC.
the return of Christ. So this vision of the fourth 8:2 “Shushan”– (sometimes written Susa) was
beast cannot refer to the Roman Empire as it the chief city of Elam and became the principal
was at the first coming of Christ. capital of the Persian empire.
7:25 “Speak”– v 8. “Palace”– or it might be translated “citadel”.
“Saints”– Rev 13:7. “Elam”– a mountainous region east of Babylon
“Given into his hands”– a time of great testing for in what is now western Iran.
God’s people. See note on testing at Ps 66:10-12. 8:3 Verse 20 tells us what this ram symbolizes
“Time and times and half a time”– 4:16. In – the Medo-Persian kingdom. The larger horn
Nebuchadnezzar’s case seven times was a limited represents Persia which was the dominant power
brief period, almost certainly seven years. Three in the alliance.
and a half times obviously means only half of 8:4 Medo-Persia became the most powerful
that. This same time period is referred to as 1260 kingdom in the world of its day.
days and 42 months in Rev 11:2-3; 12:6; 13:5. 8:5 According to v 21 this goat symbolizes Greece.
There is no good reason to think these figures The prominent horn was Alexander the Great,
are not to be taken literally. If not taken literally the first king of the Greco-Macedonian Empire.
1279 Daniel 8:17

appeared, coming from the west across the of his sanctuary was thrown down. 12 And
surface of the whole earth, without touching an army was given to it against the daily
the ground. And the goat had a notable sacrifice, because of transgression, and it
horn between its eyes. 6 And he came to the threw the truth down to the ground; and it
ram that had two horns, which I had seen was active and prospered.
standing beside the river, and ran at him in 13 Then I heard one holy one speaking, and

his powerful anger. 7 And I saw him come another holy one said to that holy one who
close to the ram, and he was moved with rage had spoken, “How long is the time in the
against him, and struck the ram and broke vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and
off his two horns. And there was no power the transgression that causes desolation,
in the ram to withstand him, so he threw causing both the sanctuary and the army
him down to the ground, and trampled him. to be trampled under foot?”
And there was no one who could deliver the 14 And he said to me, “For two thousand

ram from his hands. 8 Therefore the male three hundred days. Then the sanctuary
goat became very great. But when he was will be cleansed”.
strong, the great horn was broken, and in 15 And it came about when I, Daniel,

its place four notable ones came up toward had seen the vision, and was seeking for
the four winds of heaven. the meaning, then someone appeared who
9 And out of one of them a little horn came looked like a man, standing before me. 16 And
out, which grew exceedingly great, toward I heard a man’s voice between the banks of
the south and toward the east, and toward the Ulai, which called out and said, “Gabriel,
the glorious land. 10 And it grew up to the cause this man to understand the vision”.
host of heaven. And it threw some of the host 17 So he came near the place I was standing;

and of the stars to the ground, and trampled and when he came, I was afraid, and
on them. 11 Yes, it set itself up to be as great prostrated myself on my face. But he said to
as the Prince of the host, and it took away me, “Understand, son of man; for the vision
the daily sacrifice from him, and the place concerns the time of the end”.
8:6-7 Alexander crushed the Medo-Persian the coming antichrist and not the country of his
Empire in the years 334-330 BC, more than 200 origin. This is the opinion of the author of these
years after this prophetic vision. notes. But we should be careful not to be dogmatic
8:8 “Broken”– refers to the death of Alexander in doubtful matters such as these.
in 323 BC. “Glorious land”– or “beautiful land”. The
“Four”– these represent the four divisions of translation “pleasant land” though possible is
his empire that came about after Alexander’s not likely. The land meant is, of course, Israel
death (7:6). (11:16,41; Jer 3:19; Ezek 20:6).
8:9 “Little horn”– there is a difference of opinion 8:10 “Of the host and of the stars”– probably refers
among commentators about this “little horn”. to believers in Israel seen as stars in this vision
Some say he is the same as the “little horn” of (compare 12:3). Antiochus swept down into Israel,
7:8,20-25. Others say he is not, because this one captured Jerusalem, killed many thousands of
comes out of one of the divisions of the Grecian people, desecrated the temple, and prevented the
Empire, that one comes out of the Roman Empire Jews from offering sacrifices.
after the Grecian Empire and all of its four 8:11 “Prince of the host”– Jehovah of hosts.
divisions had lost their power. Most commentators 8:12 The disaster to the Jews in the days of
agree that this “little horn” symbolizes a king Antiochus was a result of their sin and rebellion
who arose in Syria in the 2nd century BC and against God.
became a great enemy of the Jews. His name “Army”– or “host” – the same word in Hebrew.
was Antiochus Epiphanes. He may be regarded 8:14 “Days”– literally, “Evening, morning”. This
in some ways as a type of the coming antichrist. may mean 2300 days (compare Gen 1:5,8). This
See also 11:21-35. is a little more than six years – the period of time
Some students of the Bible are of the opinion of the persecution by Antiochus (171-164 BC).
that just as Antiochus was king in Syria so the But some scholars have thought the figure 2300
antichrist at the end of this age will arise in Syria. means 1150 days, this being the number of days
It appears to be true that antichrist will arise it would take for 2300 sacrifices offered both
from within the boundaries of the old Roman morning and evening. 1150 days was the time
Empire (7:8), and Syria was once a part of that between Antiochus’ desecration of the temple
Empire. Others think, however, that the case of and its reconstruction by the Jews (168-165 BC).
Antiochus is brought forward in Daniel to show 8:16 “Gabriel”– 9:21; Luke 1:19,26.
only something of the character and deeds of 8:17 “Son of man”– Ezek 2:1.
Daniel 8:18 1280
18 Now as he was speaking to me, I was in a many days”.
deep sleep with my face toward the ground, 27 And I, Daniel, fainted, and was sick for

but he touched me and stood me upright. days. Afterward I got up, and did the king’s
19 And he said, “Look, I will cause you work. And I was astonished at the vision,
to know what will happen at the end of the but no one understood it.
indignation. For the end will occur at the
appointed time. 20 The ram which you saw
which had two horns represents the kings of
Media and Persia. 21 And the rough goat is
9 In the first year of Darius the son of
Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was
made king over the realm of the Chaldeans,
the king of Greece, and the great horn that 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel,

is between its eyes is the first king. 22 Now understood by the books the number of the
as for that one being broken and four arising years according to the word of the LORD to
in its place, four kingdoms will arise out of Jeremiah the prophet, that he had specified
the nation, but not with its power. for the completion of the desolations of
23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, Jerusalem, seventy years. 3 And I set my
when the transgressors have reached their face toward the Lord God, to seek him by
full extent, a king of fierce countenance, prayer and supplications, with fasting, and
and understanding dark schemes, will arise. sackcloth, and ashes.
24 And his power will be mighty, but not by 4 And I prayed to the LORD my God, and

his own power; and he will cause appalling made my confession, and said, “O Lord,
destruction, and will prosper, and be active the great and awesome God, who keeps his
and destroy the mighty and the holy people. covenant and mercy for those who love him,
25 And through his cunning he will also cause and for those who keep his commandments,
deceit to prosper in his hands. And in his 5 we have sinned, and have done evil, and

heart he will exalt himself, and by peace will have behaved wickedly, and have rebelled,
destroy many. He will also stand up against by departing from your precepts and from
the Prince of princes. But he will be broken, your judgments. 6 We have not listened to
but not by human hand. your servants the prophets, who spoke in
26 “And the vision of the evenings and the your name to our kings, our princes, and
mornings which was told is true. So seal our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
up the vision, for it will not take place for 7 “O Lord, righteousness belongs to you,

8:19 In the context of the verses which follow, and Jer 29:10. The first invasion of Judah by the
the time of wrath, the time of the end spoken of Babylonian armies was in 605 BC. The 70 years
here probably means the end of the days covered were nearly over.
by the vision of vs 3-14, especially the end of the 9:3 The knowledge that the 70 years were
time of Antiochus. But those days were surely nearing their end inspired Daniel to prayer,
a picture of the days of the antichrist at the end not to complacency. Likewise God’s promises
of this age. to us should move us to prayer, should
8:23-25 Antiochus Epiphanes. inspire us to claim them, to act on them.
8:24 “Not by his own power”– compare 2 Thess 2:9; Let us learn from Daniel’s prayer how to
Rev 13:2. seek God in time of need with humility,
“The holy people”– of Israel. confession, repentance, pleading. Observe
8:25 “Prince of princes”– God Himself. the great earnestness with which Daniel
“Human hand”– Antiochus was not killed in sought God. He was seeking according to
battle but by an act of God. Compare 2 Thess 2:8; Deut 4:29; Jer 29:12-13.
Rev 19:20. “Fasting”– Jud 20:26; 1 Sam 7:6; Neh 1:4;
8:26 “Seal up”– preserve it. Esther 4:3; Ps 35:13; 69:10; Acts 14:23; 2 Cor 6:5;
8:27 “No one understood it”– prophecies of future 11:27.
events were often not understood even by those “Sackcloth, and ashes”– Gen 37:34; 2 Sam 13:19;
through whom they came. We should not rashly Esther 4:1-3; Job 16:15; Ps 30:11; Lam 2:10.
assume that we know all about them now. 9:4 “Keeps his covenant and mercy”– Deut 7:9,12;
9:1 5:31. This Ahasuerus is not the same as the 1 Kings 8:23; 2 Chron 6:14; Neh 1:5; 9:32.
one of the book of Esther. 9:5 “Sinned”– 1 Kings 8:46-50.
“First year”– 538 BC. “We”– Daniel includes himself (v
9:2 Observe that Daniel regarded the writings of 20). Compare Ezra 9:5-7; Isa 64:5-9; Jer 3:25.
Jeremiah as inspired by God and authoritative. 9:6 2 Kings 18:12; Jer 7:13-15,25,26.
Twice Jeremiah spoke of 70 years – Jer 25:11-12 9:7 “Righteousness”– Ps 11:7; 119:137; 145:17.
1281 Daniel 9:22

but to us shame of face, as it is this day, to your people out of the land of Egypt with a
the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants mighty hand, and made yourself a name, as
of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those near, at this day, we have sinned, we have behaved
and those far away in all the countries wickedly. 16 O Lord, I beg you, according to
where you have driven them, because of all your righteousness, let your anger and
the unfaithfulness they have shown against your fury be turned away from your city
you. 8 O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to Jerusalem, your holy mountain, because for
our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, our sins and for the evil deeds of our fathers,
because we have sinned against you. 9 To the Jerusalem and your people have become
Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, an object of scorn to everyone around us.
though we have rebelled against him. 10 We 17 “Now therefore, O our God, hear the

have not obeyed the voice of the LORD prayer of your servant, and his supplications,
our God, to walk in his laws, which he set and, for the Lord’s sake, cause your face to
before us through his servants the prophets. shine on your sanctuary that is desolate. 18 O
11 Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law my God, bow down your ear, and hear. Open
by departing from you, so as not to obey your eyes, and look on our desolations, and
your voice. Therefore the curse and the oath the city which is called by your name. For
written in the law of Moses the servant of we do not present our supplications before
God have been poured out on us, because you because of our righteousnesses, but
we have sinned against him. because of your great mercies. 19 O Lord,
12 “And he has confirmed his words, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and
which he spoke against us and against our take action! For your own sake, O my God,
judges who judged us, by bringing upon us do not delay. For your city and your people
a great disaster; for under the whole heaven are called by your name”.
nothing has been done like what was done in 20 And while I was speaking, and praying,

Jerusalem. 13 Just as it is written in the law of and confessing my sin and the sin of my people
Moses, this whole disaster has come on us. Israel, and presenting my supplication before
Yet we have not made our prayer before the the LORD my God for the holy mountain
LORD our God, that we might turn from of my God, 21 yes, while I was speaking in
our evil deeds and understand your truth. prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen
14 Therefore the LORD kept the disaster in in the earlier vision, flying swiftly, came and
view and brought it on us. For the LORD touched me about the time of the evening
our God is righteous in all the deeds which sacrifice. 22 And he gave me information,
he does, because we did not obey his voice. and talked with me and said, “Daniel, I
15 “And now, O Lord our God, who brought am now come forth to give you insight and
“Shame”– Ezra 9:6; Ps 44:14-16; Jer 3:25; 31:19. is just (2 Chron 12:6).
“Unfaithfulness”– Ps 78:57; Isa 1:4; Jer 3:6-10; 9:15 Ex 14:26-31.
Ezek 39:23-24. “Name”– Ex 9:16.
9:9 Ex 34:6-7; Ps 4:1; 15:1; 86:5; 103:8,13; Isa 55:7; 9:16 Daniel continues to place the emphasis where
Jer 33:8; 42:12. it belongs – on their sin and God’s righteousness.
9:10-11 2 Kings 17:13-15; 18:12; 2 Chron 36:15-16; 9:17 “For the Lord’s sake”– 1 Sam 12:22; Ps 23:3;
Jer 25:3-4. 25:11; 31:3; 106:8; Isa 37:35; 43:14,25; Jer 14:7,21;
9:11 “Curse and”– Lev 26:14,33; Deut 11:26-28; Ezek 20:9; 36:22. God’s reputation was bound
27:15-26; 28:15,63-67. up with the people and the land and the city He
9:12 Jer 44:2-6; Lam 1:12; Ezek 5:9. had chosen.
“Judges who judged us”– or “leaders who led 9:18 “Not...because of our righteousness”– compare
us” – the Hebrew means either. Luke 18:9-14. In this book we see that Daniel
9:13 “Not made our prayer”– Isa 9:13; 64:7. Observe was a mighty man of God, pure and upright.
that truly seeking God’s favor means to turn from However, in prayer he did not depend on any of
sin and give attention to the truth He has revealed. that, but on God’s mercy alone.
9:14 Gen 18:25; Neh 9:33; Ps 7:9; 19:9; 129:4; 9:20 “Holy mountain”– Mount Zion.
145:17. It was because God is perfectly just 9:21 “In prayer”– v 23; 10:12; Isa 65:24;
that He brought disaster on them. Justice must Luke 18:7-8.
punish unrepented and unforsaken sin. Instead “Gabriel”– 8:16.
of complaining against God everyone should “Evening sacrifice”– Ex 29:39.
humble himself or herself, and confess that God 9:22 1:17; 7:16; 10:14; Amos 3:7.
Daniel 9:23 1282

understanding. 23 At the beginning of your from the issuing of the command to restore
supplications the command was issued, and and build Jerusalem to the Messiah the
I have come to tell you; for you are greatly Prince will be seven ‘weeks’, and sixty-two
beloved. Therefore understand the matter, ‘weeks’. The streets and the wall will be
and consider the vision. rebuilt, but in troublesome times. 26 And
24 “Seventy ‘weeks’ have been decreed for after the sixty-two ‘weeks’ Messiah will be
your people and for your holy city, to finish cut off, but not for himself. And the people
the transgression, and to make an end of sins, of the ruler who will come will destroy the
and to make reconciliation for wickedness, city and the sanctuary; and its end will
and to bring in everlasting righteousness, come as with a flood, and to the end of
and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to the war desolations are decreed. 27 And he
anoint the Most Holy. will confirm a covenant with many for one
25 “Know therefore and understand that ‘week’, but in the middle of the ‘week’ he
9:23 “Greatly beloved”– the Hebrew verb from buildings had been constructed in Jerusalem
which this comes means “to desire”, “take before then. But it could not be said that the city
pleasure in”, “delight in”. It is not from the had been rebuilt, for Nehemiah said he wished to
Hebrew word meaning “love”. Heaven viewed go and rebuild it, and he received permission to do
Daniel with special regard, took pleasure in him, so. Some of the troubles he had in rebuilding the
delighted in him. How could anyone receive a city are recorded in Nehemiah chapters 4 and 6.
better commendation than this? How much better From the time of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem
to be highly esteemed in heaven than on earth. until the ministry and death of the Messiah (the
9:24-27 There has been, and is, much disagreement Lord Jesus) 69 sevens were to be completed.
among scholars about the meaning of these verses. If this time period is calculated according to
Some words and phrases in Hebrew are obscure the lunar year which the Jews used (360 days
in meaning and the interpretation difficult. to a year), it reaches to the last days of Christ
9:24 “Weeks”– in Hebrew “sevens”. It is clear that on earth. So we have here a prophecy of the
one “week” means seven years (4:16; 7:25). God time of the death of Christ given more than five
had decreed 70 sevens for the accomplishment of centuries before.
six purposes. These purposes concern the Jews 9:26 “Cut off”– this word was used in the Old
(“your people”) and Jerusalem (“holy city”). But, Testament for the death penalty. See Ex 31:14;
of course, the results of God’s work there would Lev 7:20-21,25,27; 20:2-3.
affect the whole world. Question: Were these six “Not for himself”– this could also be translated
purposes fulfilled at the first coming of Christ and “have nothing” or “have no one”. Christ certainly
at His death? Or will they be fulfilled sometime did not die for himself, but for us, and on the
in the future? The author of these notes believes cross, in the place of sinners, he was forsaken by
that by the sacrifice of Christ the foundation was both God and men (Matt 26:56; 27:46), and had
laid for the fulfillment of these purposes, but received nothing that rightly belonged to Him
that as regards Israel as a nation and Jerusalem as the Messiah of Israel.
not all of them have been fulfilled. For example, “The ruler who will come”– probably means the
Jerusalem remained sinful and in rebellion against final ruler of the Roman Empire at the end of this
God after the death of Christ and was destroyed age, the antichrist, the “little horn” of chapter 7.
in 70 AD. It remains in rebellion to this day. It is important to observe that in this verse that
The words “seal up prophecy” probably coming ruler is said to belong to the same nation
means here to completely fulfill it and to lay it or people who destroyed Jerusalem.
aside as being no longer necessary (1 Cor 13:8). “Will destroy the city and the sanctuary”– this
Certainly not all prophecies concerning the Jews probably refers to the destruction of Jerusalem
and Jerusalem were fulfilled at the first coming and the temple in 70 AD by the Romans. This
of Christ. Another reason for thinking these took place nearly 40 years after the end of the
six purposes were not all fulfilled at the first 69 sevens.
coming of Christ is this: 70 sevens are decreed 9:27 “He will confirm a covenant”– some have
to fulfill these purposes, but Christ was put to taught that this refers to the Messiah mentioned
death after 69 sevens and before the 70th was in vs 25,26. But how can one “seven” (almost
finished (vs 25,26). certainly meaning seven years) have to do with
“Finish”– or, possibly, “restrain”. the covenant Christ confirmed to His disciples
“The Most Holy”– this may refer either to the just before His death (Matt 26:26-29)? That
Most Holy Place in the temple or to the Most covenant was not for seven years, nor did it take
Holy One (Christ). seven years to confirm it.
9:25 The decree mentioned here was probably What seems a better explanation is this: “he”
that of King Artaxerxes in 445 BC. See Neh 2:1-9. is the coming ruler of the people who destroyed
The temple had been finished and some other Jerusalem in 70 AD mentioned in the last part of
1283 Daniel 10:11

will put a stop to sacrifice and offering. And face had the appearance of lightning, and his
on the wing of abominations will be one eyes shone like lamps of fire, and in colour
who creates desolation, until the end that his arms and his feet were like polished
is decreed is poured out on the desolator”. brass, and the sound of his words was like
the sound of a multitude.

10 In the third year of Cyrus, king of 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for

Persia, a message was revealed to the men who were with me did not see the
Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; vision; but great trembling fell on them,
and the message was true, and involved so that they ran away to hide themselves.
a great conflict. And he understood the 8 Therefore I was left alone and saw this great

message, and had understanding of the vision; and no strength remained in me, for
vision. my vigour changed in me to utter weakness,
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the
for three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, sound of his words. And when I heard the
and no meat or wine came into my mouth, sound of his words, I was in a deep sleep on
and I did not anoint myself at all, until three my face, my face toward the ground.
whole weeks were over. 10 And, suddenly, a hand touched me, which
4 And on the twenty-fourth day of the first placed me on my knees and the palms of my
month, as I was by the side of the great river, hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, O
the Hiddekel, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked man greatly beloved, understand the words
and saw a man clothed in linen. He had a that I speak to you, and stand upright; for I
belt of fine gold of Uphaz around his waist. have now been sent to you”. And when he had
6 And his body gleamed like beryl, and his spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.
v 26 (the people of the Roman Empire). He has Daniel saw and heard on the same occasion.
not yet appeared. When he comes to power he “Third year of Cyrus”– Daniel was an aged man.
will confirm an agreement for seven years with He had been brought to Babylon more than 70
many. The “many” probably refers to the majority years previously as a youth.
of Jews living in Israel at the end of this age. In “True and involved a great conflict”– or it could
the middle of the seven, that is, after 3 and 1/2 be translated “true and concerned an extended
years he will stop the rituals and worship of the conflict”, or possibly “true and burdensome”, or
Jews (compare 11:31; 12:11), and will try to make “true and the appointed time is a long way off”,
himself the only object of worship in Israel (and, or “true and covers a long period of time”, but
for that matter, throughout the whole world). the translation in the text above seems best. The
This will be the “abomination of desolation” problem with translating here is that the Hebrew
that Christ warned about in Matt 24:15, and the words have more than one meaning and so the
act of the “man of lawlessness” Paul described phrase is ambiguous. See note on the Hebrew
in 2 Thess 2:3-4. language at Ps 14:7.
A difficult question which arises from this 10:2-3 We are not told why Daniel fasted and
interpretation is this: Why is the 70th “seven” mourned. Perhaps it was because of the troubles
separated from the 69 “sevens” by a great many the Jews were having in Jerusalem (see Ezra 4:1-5).
centuries (Christ was crucified after the 69th in Perhaps it was because of the sins of those left
the first century of this age, but the 70th occurs in Babylon, or because of their lack of desire to
at the end of the age)? The answer may be that return to Jerusalem to help in the work there.
the book of Daniel is not at all concerned with 10:5-7 A vision of a great and glorious person
the course of this present age. In chapter 2 who can hardly have been anyone other than
four kingdoms are seen – Babylonian, Persian, the Son of God. Compare v 6 with Rev 1:13-16.
Grecian, and Roman; then the thought leaps Concerning other appearances of the Son of God
to the end of this age to the second coming of as the divine messenger see Gen 16:7.
Christ. In chapter 7 the same four kingdoms 10:8-9 Rev 1:17; Isa 6:5.
are seen; then again many centuries are passed 10:10 It does not say that “His” hand touched
over in silence until the antichrist appears and Daniel. This may refer to the hand of an angel.
is destroyed at the second coming of Christ. So In the verses which follow, the speaker may be
we should not be surprised at the same way of different from the one who appeared in such glory
treating events here in chapter 9. in vs 5-9. But it is not clear whether two beings or
“On the wing of abominations will be”– this may only one are with Daniel in this chapter – v 16.
also be translated “will place abominations on Certainly in chapter 12 (which was given at the
a wing of” (the temple). same time as this) two others are seen (12:5-6).
10:1 Chapters 10-12 form a unit and give things 10:11 “Greatly beloved”– note at 9:23.
Daniel 10:12 1284
12 Then said he to me, “Do not fear, he had spoken to me, I was strengthened,
Daniel, for from the first day that you set and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have
your heart to understand, and to humble strengthened me”.
yourself before your God, your words were 20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have

heard, and I have come because of your come to you? And now I will return to fight
words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of with the prince of Persia. And when I have
Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. gone away, see, the prince of Greece will
But, see, Michael, one of the chief princes, come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed
came to help me, and I remained there with in the true writings. (And there is no one
the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to who upholds me against these powers, except
make you understand what will happen to Michael your prince.
your people in the latter days; for the vision
concerns days still future”.
15 And when he was speaking these words

to me, I turned my face to the ground, and

11 And in the first year of Darius the
Mede, I stood up to support and
strengthen him.)
was speechless. 16 And, suddenly, someone 2 “And now I will tell you this truth: See,

like the sons of men in appearance touched there will still be three kings in Persia who
my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke arise, and the fourth will be far richer than
and said to the one who was standing in them all; and by his strength, through his
front of me, “O my lord, because of the riches, he will stir up everyone against the
vision sorrows have overwhelmed me, and realm of Greece. 3 And a mighty king will
I have no strength left. 17 For how can this arise, who will rule with great authority, and
servant of my lord talk with you my lord? act according to his will. 4 And when he arises,
For as for me, now no strength remains in his kingdom will be broken and divided toward
me, no breath is left in me”. the four winds of heaven, but not among his
18 Then the one who had the appearance posterity, or according to the authority with
of a man came again and touched me which he ruled. For his kingdom will be
and strengthened me, 19 and said, “O man uprooted for others instead of those.
greatly beloved, do not fear. Peace be with 5 “And the king of the south will be strong,

you. Be strong, yes, be strong”. And when along with one of his princes who will gain
10:12 “From the first day”– Isa 30:19; 58:9; 65:24. answered we should not think no answer will
Here is great encouragement for all those who, come, but continue on in faith.
like Daniel, humble themselves and seek an 10:14 “Your people”– the Jewish nation. The rest
understanding of God’s revelation. God delights of the book of Daniel, in large part, is concerned
to hear the prayers of such people. with what will happen to that people.
10:13 This verse reveals something of what goes 10:20 “Prince of Greece”– the most powerful of
on in the unseen realm of spirits. It also gives a the evil spirits Satan had appointed to fulfill his
reason why the answer to a prayer may be delayed. evil will in that nation.
“Prince”– he is not the same as the king of 10:21 “The true writings”– apparently a heavenly
Persia in the same verse. The king was Cyrus. record of those things that God had decreed
Who was this “prince” (ruler)? It is said that should happen. This truth is revealed in some
he resisted God’s angelic messenger, so he was detail in the next two chapters.
hostile to God. The angel Michael is also called 11:1 “Darius”– 5:31.
a “prince”. It seems clear that the prince of the 11:2 From here to 12:4, beginning with Daniel’s
Persian kingdom was a fallen angel, an evil day and going on to the end of this age, there
spirit who was trying to influence King Cyrus is a remarkable glimpse into the future. The
against the Jews. Verse 20 speaks of the “prince” prophecies contained in verses 2-36 were fulfilled
of Greece. In v 21 Michael is called “your” (that over a period of 362 years.
is, the people of Israel’s) prince. “Three kings”– Cambyses, Pseudo-Smerdis,
Evidently there is a war going on in the unseen Darius Hystapis. The fourth was Xerxes (the
world of spirits between those sent to do God’s Ahasuerus of the book of Esther). He launched
will and those who oppose them. On angels see an invasion against Greece in 480 BC which
note at Gen 16:7. For other references to fallen failed.
angels see Isa 24:21; 1 Cor 8:5; 10:20; Eph 6:12; 11:3 Alexander the Great (336-323 B.C.).
Rev 12:7. What goes on among the nations of 11:4 “Four”– 7:4-7; 8:8. After Alexander’s death
earth is partly a result of spiritual battles fought his empire broke into four parts.
in the unseen world – and praying believers have 11:5-34 Gives us the struggle for predominance
a part in it all. If our prayers are not immediately between two of the four parts of Alexander’s
1285 Daniel 11:22

power over him, and have dominion. His multitude greater than the former one. He
dominion will be a great dominion. 6 And at will certainly come after some years with a
the end of some years they will join together, great army and much equipment.
for the daughter of the king of the south 14 “And in those times many will stand

will come to the king of the north to reach up against the king of the south. Also the
an agreement. But she will not retain the violent ones among your people will exalt
power of authority, and neither he nor his themselves to fulfil the vision; but they will
authority will stand. But she will be given fall. 15 So the king of the north will come,
up with those who brought her there, and and build up a siege mound, and take the
her father, and the one who strengthened most fortified cities; and the arms of the
her at that time. south will not withstand him; nor will his
7 “But out of a branch of her roots someone chosen people; nor will there be any strength
will arise in his place. He will come with an for withstanding. 16 But the one who comes
army, and enter the fortress of the king of the against him will do according to his own
north, and deal with them, and prevail, 8 and will, and no one will be able to stand before
will also carry away as captives into Egypt him. And he will stand in the glorious land,
their gods, with their princes, and with their with destruction in his hands. 17 He will also
valuable articles of silver and of gold. And set his face to come with the power of his
he will continue more years than the king whole kingdom, and upright ones with him.
of the north. 9 So the king of the north will He will do this. And he will give him the
come to his kingdom, but will return to his daughter of women, to ruin it. but she will
own land. 10 But his sons will be stirred up, not stand on his side, or be for him. 18 After
and shall assemble a great many forces, and this he will turn his face to the coastlands,
they will certainly come like an overflowing and take many. But a prince will put a stop
flood passing through, coming back then, to the scorn shown by him, and will make
stirred up to wage war as far as his fortress. his scorn turn back on him. 19 Then he will
11 “And the king of the south will be moved turn his face toward the fortress of his own
with rage, and come out and fight with him, land, but he will stumble and fall, and not
with the king of the north, who will muster be found.
a great multitude. But the multitude will 20 “Then in his place will arise someone

be given into the hand of his enemy. 12 And who imposes taxes for the glory of the
when the king of the south has taken away kingdom. But within a few days he will be
the multitude, his heart will be lifted up destroyed, but not in anger, or in battle.
with pride, and he will overthrow many 21 “And in his place a contemptible person

tens of thousands, but he will not remain will arise. They will not give royal honours to
in a position of strength by it. 13 For the king him, but he will come in peaceably, and obtain
of the north will return, having mustered a the kingdom by intrigue. 22 And with the
former empire. The king of the south is the ruler 11:11 “King of the south”– Ptolemy IV defeated
of Egypt. The king of the north is the ruler of Antiochus III in a battle at Raphia.
Syria and lands allied with Syria. A very few 11:14 “South”– Ptolemy V.
commentators have taught that all these verses “Among your people”– Jews who joined forces
relate to the end of this present age. The great with the king of the north.
majority have taught that they give a succession 11:16 “One who comes”– Antiochus III.
of rulers of those two kingdoms over a period of 11:17 “Daughter”– Cleopatra I. The Hebrew of this
roughly 160 years, beginning in 323 BC. This is verse is very obscure and difficult to translate.
the view given in these notes. The first king of 11:18 “Prince”– a Roman leader named Scipio
the south was Ptolemy Soter, a Macedonian. The Asiaticus.
first king of the north was Seleucus. The land 11:19 Antiochus III perished in 187 BC in Elymais.
of Israel was directly between the kings of the 11:20 “In his place”– Seleucus IV.
north and the kings of the south. 11:21 Antiochus IV, also known as Antiochus
11:6 “Daughter”– Berenice. Epiphanes. See 8:9-13,23-25. He seized power
“King of North”– Antiochus II. when the rightful heir to the throne was very
11:7 “One from her family line”– this was Ptolemy young.
III. 11:22-24 At first Antiochus IV was very successful
“King of the north”– Seleucus II. in battle. But he was very treacherous toward
11:10 “His sons”– Seleucus III and Antiochus III. those who had made agreements with him.
Daniel 11:23 1286

power of a flood they will be swept away from 29 “At the appointed time he will return,
before him, and will be shattered, yes, also the and come to the south. But this latter time
prince of the covenant. 23 And after an alliance will not be like the former. 30 For the ships
has been made with him he will act deceitfully. of Kittim will come against him; therefore
For he will come up, and become strong with he will be disheartened, and return in fury
a small number of people. 24 He will enter against the holy covenant, and take action.
peaceably into even the richest places of the Yes, he will return and be favorable toward
province, and will do what neither his fathers those who forsake the holy covenant.
or grandfathers ever did; he will distribute 31 “And forces of his will arise and defile

among them the plunder, and loot, and riches. the sanctuary stronghold, and will take away
Yes, and he will devise his plots against the the daily sacrifice; and they will put there
strongholds, but only for a time. the abomination that causes desolation.
25 “And he will stir up his power and his 32 And he will corrupt by flattery those who

courage against the king of the south with act wickedly against the covenant, but the
a great army; and the king of the south will people who know their God will be strong,
be stirred up to battle with a very great and and do exploits.
mighty army. But he will not stand, for they 33 “And those among the people who

will devise plots against him. 26 Yes, those understand will instruct many. Yet for
who eat of the food he provides will destroy many days they will fall by the sword, and
him, and his army will be swept away, and by flame, by captivity, and by plundering.
many will fall down slain. 27 And both these 34 Now when they fall, they will be aided

kings’ hearts will be set on evil, and they by a little help, but many will join them
will speak lies at the same table. But it will who are not sincere. 35 And some of those
not succeed, for the end will still come at who have understanding will fall, to refine
the appointed time. 28 Then he will return them, and to purify them, and to make them
to his land with great riches. And his heart white, until the time of the end. For it will
will be set against the holy covenant, and he still come at the appointed time.
will take action, and return to his own land. 36 “And the king will do just as he wishes.

11:25 “King of the south”– Ptolemy VI. Him. Compare Heb 11:36-38.
11:26 “Army”– Ptolemy’s army. 11:34 “Not sincere”– in every age there will be
11:27 “These kings”– Antiochus IV and Ptolemy VI. hypocrites who say one thing and do another.
11:28 “Against the holy covenant”– Antiochus hated 11:35 “Fall”– the very “falling” of the wise will
Israel. In 169 BC he came to Jerusalem, killed be, in God’s hands, a means to their further
many Jews, and plundered the temple. refinement and purification. The Hebrew word
11:29 “Appointed time”– the time appointed by here translated “fall” means to stumble from lack
God to fulfill His purposes through Antiochus. of strength. The truly wise through stumbling in
11:30 “Ships”– Roman ships commanded by their weakness will learn to seek and find their
Papilius Laenas. strength in God. Then there will be no stumbling
“Those who forsake”– apostate Jews who sided (Isa 40:31). On refining see Ps 66:10-12.
with Antiochus (v 32). “The time of the end”– perhaps the end of that
“Holy covenant”– v 28. particular time of persecution. Or the phrase
11:31 In 168 BC Antiochus sent troops to take may point suddenly to the end of this age. The
possession of Jerusalem. They attacked people verses which follow actually do so – v 40-45. As
on the Sabbath day and took captive many in chapters 2,7, and 9 many centuries are passed
women and children. The temple was taken and over in silence and the end of this age is brought
Antiochus ordered the Jews to stop all sacrifices. into view.
He had an altar to the Greek god Zeus erected in 11:36-45 The king here is not Antiochus Epiphanes
the temple court on the altar of burnt offering. whose doings are described in vs 21-32. There
This was the state of things for more than three is no evidence that he magnified himself above
years. This abomination of desolation was not every god and showed no regard for the gods of
the same of which Jesus spoke in Matt 24:15, but his fathers (vs 36,37). And the death of Antiochus
was a type, a picture of it. See Dan 9:27; 12:11. was different from that described in verses 44,45.
11:32-33 The Jews were divided. Some wicked Antiochus was but a type or picture of this one
and ambitious persons came under the influence who will come at the “time of the end” (v 40).
of Antiochus. Other Jews were strong to resist The language of v 40 is obscure in Hebrew,
him, taught the people the truth, and endured so it is difficult to know whether the king of v
great persecution at his hands. They were Jews 36 is attacked by both the king of the south and
who knew God and were willing to suffer for the king of the north, or whether he himself is
1287 Daniel 12:2

And he will exalt himself, and magnify and many countries will be overthrown.
himself above every god, and will speak But these will escape from his hand: Edom,
extraordinary things against the God of and Moab, and the leaders of the children of
gods, and will be successful until the time of Ammon. 42 He will also stretch out his hand
indignation is fulfilled. For what is decreed over other countries, and the land of Egypt
will be done. 37 He will not have regard for will not escape. 43 But he will have power
the God of his fathers, or for the one women over the treasures of gold and silver, and
desire, or have regard for any god; for he over all the desirable things of Egypt, and
will exalt himself above all. 38 But in their the Libyans and the Ethiopians will be at his
place he will honour a god of fortresses, will feet. 44 But news from the east and from the
honour a god unknown to his fathers, with north will trouble him, therefore he will set
gold, and silver, and with precious stones, out with great fury to destroy, and do away
and desirable things. 39 Thus he will do in with many. 45 And he will pitch his palace
the strongest fortresses with a strange god. tents between the seas in the glorious holy
He will give great honour to those who mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and
acknowledge him, and he will cause them no one will help him.
to rule over many, and will divide up the
land for gain.
40 “And at the time of the end the king of the

south will push at him, and the king of the

12 “And at that time Michael, the great
prince who stands guard over the
children of your people, will arise. And
north will come against him like a whirlwind, there will be a time of trouble such as never
with chariots, and with horsemen, and with occurred since there was a nation until that
many ships; and he will invade countries, same time. And at that time your people
and overwhelm them and pass on through. will be delivered, everyone who is found
41 “He will also invade the glorious land, written in the book. 2 And many of those
the king of the north who attacks the king of 41-43). Compare Rev 6:2; 13:4,7.
the south. If he is the king of the north, vs 41-45 11:41 “Glorious land”– Israel (v 16; 8:9; Ezek 20:6).
refer to him. If he is not the king of the north “Edom”, “Moab”, “Ammon”– countries east
they do not refer to him. Since the language is and southeast of Israel.
obscure we should be careful not to be dogmatic 11:44 “East”– and “north” – compare Ezek 38:1-9;
and make statements which cannot be proved. Rev 16:12-16. At the end of this age the armies of
The fulfillment will make the prophecy clear. all earth’s great nations will be marching toward
11:36 7:8; 2 Thess 2:3-4; Rev 13:5-6. Here is the Israel (Joel 3:9-16; Zech 12:2-3; 14:2-4).
essence of sin – self-will and self-exaltation. It 11:45 “Between the seas”– the Mediterranean and
began with Adam’s one act of self-will in the the Dead Sea.
garden of Eden. It will end with one man of utter “Holy mountain”– Ps 48:1-2.
self-will ruling the earth and the vast majority “To his end”– 2 Thess 2:8; Rev 19:19-20.
of people bowing down to him. 12:1 “Michael”– 10:13.
“Time of indignation”– Isa 26:20-21; 30:27-28; “Your people”– Daniel’s people were Jews.
34:2; Jer 30:4-8; Dan 8:19; 12:1; Joel 3:12-16; They will be at the center of that time of trouble
Matt 24:21-22. called in the New Testament “great tribulation”
11:37 “God”– or, perhaps “gods”. This future king (Matt 24:21; Rev 7:14). But this does not mean
may possibly be either an apostate Christian or that non-Jews will not suffer at that time. It will
an apostate Jew. be a time of trouble for some from every tribe
11:38 “God of fortresses”– he will honor the and nation (Rev 7:9; 12:17; 13:7-8; 20:4).
person who helps him to be victorious in war. “Trouble”– a time of trouble is coming which
This will be the only “god” for whom he will will be worse than any the world has ever seen.
show respect. Though the language of verses The Lord Jesus warned about it in Matt 24:21.
36,37 suggests this king may be the “man of Verses 29,30 of the same chapter make it clear
lawlessness” of 2 Thess 2:3-4 and the first beast that He was speaking of the end of this age.
of Revelation chapter 13, he may be the second “Delivered”– Isa 45:17; Jer 30:7-9; Zech 12:8-9;
beast of Revelation 13 (Rev 13:4,11-17). We should 14:3; Rom 11:26-27; Rev 7:1-8; 12:13-17. This
not be dogmatic about this. probably speaks of the physical deliverance from
11:39 “The land”– Israel. No other country could danger of those Jews whom God has chosen. It is
be designated here simply “the land”. not the same as the resurrection spoken of in the
11:40-45 The king of the north is in view here. He next verse.
may or may not be the same as the king of v 36. “Book”– Ex 32:32; Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3;
11:40 He will make many conquests (vs Rev 20:12.
Daniel 12:3 1288

who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, left hand to heaven and swore by him who
some to everlasting life, and some to shame lives forever that it will be for a time, times,
and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who and half a time, and that when the power
are wise will shine like the brightness of of the holy people has been fully shattered,
the heavenly expanse, and those who turn all these things will be finished.
many to righteousness like the stars forever 8 And I heard, but I did not understand.

and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut away the Then I said, “My Lord, what will be the
words, and seal the book, until the time of result of these things?”
the end. Many will travel here and there, 9 And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for

and knowledge will increase”. the words are closed up and sealed until the
5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and saw two time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, and
others standing there, the one on this side of made white, and refined. But the wicked will
the bank of the river, and the other on that behave wickedly, and none of the wicked will
side of the bank of the river. 6 And one said understand, but the wise will understand.
to the man dressed in linen, who was above 11 “And from the time that the daily

the waters of the river, “How long will it be sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination
to the end of these wonders?” that causes desolation is set up, there will be
7 And I heard the man dressed in linen one thousand two hundred and ninety days.
speak, the one above the waters of the 12 Blessed is the one who waits, and comes

river, as he held up his right hand and his to the end of the thousand three hundred
12:2 “Will awake”– refers to the resurrection of the holy people because God separated it from all
dead. Does this teach a general resurrection of the other nations to be His special treasure (Ex 19:6;
saved and unsaved at the same time? Nothing is Deut 7:6). Now believers in Christ are called a
said about the saved and unsaved dead rising at holy nation (1 Pet 2:9-10). Who is meant here
the same time – only the fact is given that both in Daniel? Israel and the holy land have been
classes of people will rise. Rev 20:4-6 seems to at the heart of the prophecy to this point (10:14;
teach clearly that there will be two resurrections 11:30-31-34,45; 12:1). Here the meaning seems
separated by a thousand years. The prophets of to be that the end will come when the nation
the Old Testament spoke of events separated by of Israel is crushed and brought to its lowest
long periods of time without indicating that those condition.
events would be so separated. There are other 12:8 He did not understand the meaning of the
examples of this in the book of Daniel. See the words in v 7. He wanted to know the end result
closing remarks in the note on 9:27. of the things of the prophecy given to him.
12:3 “Wise”– v 10; 11:33; Job 28:28; Ps 111:10; 12:9-10 It was not necessary for Daniel to
Prov 1:7; 3:35. There are not two separate classes understand anything further, and the Lord did
of people here. The wise are those who will lead not attempt to satisfy his curiosity. The heart of
many to righteousness – that is one way their the prophecy related to the time of the end. Then
true wisdom is revealed. See Prov 11:30. By the wise would be able to know all they would
their teaching and righteous living many will be need to know. As the events unfold they will be
turned to the God of righteousness and be made able to understand what is happening. As for the
righteous themselves. This verse gives only a hint wicked, their wickedness will blind them, and
of the eternal reward and glory which await those they will worship the antichrist.
who live such a wise and righteous life. 12:10 “Refined”– 11:35; Zech 13:9; Mal 3:2-4.
12:4 “Seal...until the time of the end”– 8:26. The See Ps 66:10-12.
book of Daniel has now been preserved for more 12:11 The abolishing of sacrifices and the
than 2,500 years. appearance of the abomination of desolation
12:5-6 A continuation of the vision which begins are referred to also in 9:27; and 11:31. This verse
at 10:4-5. The question in v 6 seems to be, not how does not say what will happen at the end of 1290
long will it be before those events are fulfilled? days. The persecutions by antichrist are said to
but, how long will it take to fulfill them once they be a time, times, and half a time (1260 days, 42
began to take place? The events meant seem to months). We are not told here what happens
be those of 11:35—12:1. during these 30 extra days.
12:7 This taking of an oath indicates the man is 12:12 The meaning of this too is now hidden
referring to a very solemn and important matter. from us. Those who reach the end of those days
Compare Deut 32:40-41; Ps 110:4; Heb 6:13-18; will understand the blessedness of it. If we do not
Rev 10:5-6. understand now it should not trouble us. Let us
“Time, times, and half a time”– see 7:25; 9:27; remember in the study of prophecy an important
Rev 12:14. matter or two – living a life of love for God and
“Holy people”– the nation of Israel is called a man is far more important than understanding
1289 Daniel 12:13

and thirty-five days. you will rest, and rise to receive your allotted
13 “But you, go your way until the end. For portion at the end of the days”.
all prophecy (1 Cor 13:2), and knowledge has are living when prophecies of the end time at last
a tendency to puff us up but love to build us up have their fulfillment He will surely give all the
(1 Cor 8:1). But if we ask God in faith He will understanding they will need to have.
give us all the understanding we need to live 12:13 “Rest”– here means death. “Rise”– v 2.
lives of integrity and faithfulness in whatever “Allotted portion”– Matt 5:5; Acts 20:32;
time we may live. And to faithful believers who Rom 8:17; Eph 1:11; Col 1:12; 3:24; Heb 9:15.