The Second Coming Of Christ

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< > Appendix One The Ram and He goat, Antiochus and the Antichrist In Dan.8 we see the remarkable prophecy of the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire and its destruction by Alexander the Great, the Greek general. The vision of the Ram and the He Goat is followed by the warning of the career of Antiochus Epiphanes, through which God reveals the final Antichrist. The following facts give a better understanding of the book of Daniel. Daniel is written in two languages, Chaldean and Hebrew. Only a few parts of the Scripture are written in Chaldean (Aramaic) these are, Ezra.4v8 to 6v19. and 7v12-27.; one verse in Jeremiah, Jer.10v11.; and about six chapters of Daniel, Dan.2v4 to 7v28.; the rest of Daniel, Dan.1v1 to 2v3., and 8v1 to 12v13., are written in Hebrew. There is a good reason for this difference, the Chaldean portion from Dan.2v4. to 7v28., records events dealing mainly with Gentile rule and the times of the Gentiles. This would enable the Chaldeans to read these chapters in Aramaic, which was the popular language of that day. This was an effective evangelistic tract, which proclaimed the majesty of God to the Chaldeans, and also gave them a solemn warning of future tragic events in their history. The Hebrew section of Dan.1v1. to 2v3. records the fall of Jerusalem and the deportation of the best of the Jews to Babylon, and the correct response to this by Daniel and his friends. The final section from Dan.8v1. to 12v13. deals with prophetic events connected mainly with Israel and their place in God's prophetic plan, and so it was also written in Hebrew. These Hebrew sections were veiled from the Chaldeans and seem to have been for Jewish eyes only. This veiling of truth from the worldling and indifferent is a divine principle; certain truths are only for seekers. Mt.13v10-17,34,35. Daniel had waited for two years since his last recorded vision. The vision of Daniel 8 took place in the third year of Belshazzar's reign, so two years had passed by since he had seen the awesome vision recorded in Daniel chapter seven, which took place in Belshazzar's first year. Dan.8v1,2. with 7v1. Daniel had meditated and prayed for two years for light upon the vision of the last judgement and the world empires that would affect Israel, before God gave him the further information revealed in this vision. Visions like this are not called up to order, even by the greatest of prophets. This deep insight into God's mind and purposes, was only given to great prophets, who had walked with God, and meditated deeply on the truths of the Scriptures. Many books on prophecy are manifestly the opinions and tradition of men, and reveal that their authors have made little effort in prayer, research and meditation. The book of Daniel is not written in chronological order. It is important to realise that the chapters of Daniel have not been arranged in chronological order; the order in time of the events and prophecies is as follows 1,2,3,4,7,8,5,9,6,10,11,12. The revelations concerning the fall of Babylon in chapters seven and eight of Daniel were given before the actual fall of Babylon, which is, recorded Daniel chapter five. GABRIEL ACCURATELY FORETOLD FUTURE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS TO DANIEL. The method of revelation of the prophecy. In Dan.8v20,21., Gabriel tells Daniel of the two kingdoms which would succeed Babylon. Daniel was not given this to him by a vision in the night as in Dan.2v19. and Dan.7v2,7,13,15.; nor by revelation to his prayerful mind as in Dan.4v19-27. and 5v17.. Gabriel instructs Daniel on vital prophetic truth in Dan.8v15-27., just as in Dan.9v20-27., and by an unnamed angel in Dan.7v16,23. 10v1 to 12v13.. Jesus gave Revelation to John by “His angel,” which is possibly Gabriel. Rev.1v1.22v16. God transports Daniel in vision to Shushan the capital of Persia. Daniel was transported in space and time, into the future, to Shushan the capital of Persia, and given the prophetic facts about Medo-Persia; the next empire to succeed Babylon. This was the very place where Nehemiah and Ester were later going to live. Neh.1v1. Esther.1v2-5. 2v3-5. God proved He is “The Great I Am,” and not limited by time, when He transported Ezekiel back in time from Babylon to Jerusalem before its capture and destruction by the Babylonians, and revealed the sins which had brought about the captivity. Ezek.8v3. Daniel could have been taken by God into the future, either in body or spirit; or given a vision as real as life, for with God all these are possible. Paul informs us in 2Cor.12v1-4., that he did not know if he was in the body or out of the body, when he was caught up to Paradise in the third heaven, but he experienced the glory and bliss of it, and had revealed to him “unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for man to utter.” Paul was forbidden to reveal the truths that he was told on this occasion, even to other Christians, they were for his own personal information and benefit. Anyway it was quite impossible for Paul to convey the glory, beauty and love of God’s kingdom. Gabriel reveals to Daniel that the two-horned ram represents the kings of Media and Persia. God told Daniel that the higher of the two horns of the ram would come up last, and took Daniel to Shushan, the capital of Persia, to show that Persia would become the dominant power. This was not so when Daniel first went to Babylon, for the Medes dominated the Persians, until Cyrus the Persian reversed the situation, and Persia dominated the alliance. The description of Persia as a ram was very appropriate, for it was Persia’s national emblem. Cyrus rapidly extended the Empire Westward and Northward, his son later extended it Southwards and conquered Egypt, and as Daniel saw, it was an irresistible force. Dan.8v4. God named Cyrus 150 years before he was born, and said that He had anointed Cyrus to take Babylon and free the Israelites, this took place about 200 years after the prophecy. Is.44v28 to 45v6. Gabriel informs Daniel that the Goat is Greece. The description of Greece as a goat was very appropriate, for the goat was the national emblem of Macedonia. When Daniel received this prophecy; Greece was a disunited collection of competing and contending states. Alexander inherited the kingdom of Macedon at his father's death in B.C. 336; and united these states, and became their first king; he is the great horn on the goat. Alexander is often called “the Great,” because of the astonishing speed, fury, and extent of his conquests, which Dan.8v5-8. accurately foretold. The accurate fulfilment of Gabriel's prophecy of the break-up Alexander's Empire. As Gabriel foretold, the horn was broken off in the greatness of its strength. Alexander was taken ill by an attack of fever, some say malaria, which was aggravated by his intemperate eating and drunken excesses, and this brought about his death at the early age of 33, in B.C. 323. Alexander's brother Philip Aridaeus, and his sons Alexander Aegus and Hercules, were murdered over a period of 15 months. With the death of his heirs, four of Alexander’s generals divided his empire amongst themselves; opinions vary slightly on the exact division of the empire, but the following gives some idea of how the empire was divided. PTOLEMY. Obtained the South; and ruled over Egypt, Cyprus and parts of North Africa. SELEUCUS. Obtained the East; and ruled over Syria, Babylonia and Medo-Persia. LYSIMACHUS. Took over the North, most of Asia Minor; and ruled over Thrace, Western Bithynia, Lesser Phrygia, Mysia, and Lydia, with the Meander as a boundary. CASSANDER. Took over the Western European part of the empire; and ruled Greece and Macedonia. God's prophetic revelations of the four horns in Dan.8v8., and four heads of the leopard in Dan.7v6., were accurately and completely fulfilled more than 200 years after Daniel prophesied these events. THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM VISION OF DANIEL EIGHT. In Daniel chapter eight we have a double fulfilment of prophecy. We have the prophecy of the overthrow of the Medo-Persian empire by Greece, and the growth and division of the Grecian empire, and the manifestation, out of part of that Grecian Empire, of Antiochus Epiphanes, known by some as “Epiphanes the Madman,” like Hitler he was filled with a murderous hatred of the Jews, and killed 100,000 Jews on one occasion, and multiplied thousands more on other occasions. His evil career is recorded in the first book of Maccabees. The little horn of chapter 7 arises from the fourth kingdom, the little horn of chapter 8 arises out of the third kingdom, and is referring to Antiochus Epiphanes; however, the prophecy has also a future fulfilment, for Antiochus is a type of the final Antichrist, both in actions and disposition. There was both a near and distant fulfilment of this prophecy, Gabriel's prophecy speaks of Antiochus but also leaps into the distant future to describe the final Antichrist. The double fulfilment of prophecy is a fact, as can be seen by the dual prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and its destruction at the end of the age in Lk.17v31. 19v41-44. 21v20-24. The prophecy concerning the betrayal of Jesus by Judas found its first fulfilment in Ahithophel, the counsellor who betrayed David. Ps.41v9. Jn.13v18. N.B. Jerome states the Jews of his time expected a further future fulfilment of this prophecy. Jerome, who was well acquainted with the Jews, because of His prolonged studies amongst them, states that the Jews of his time felt that this prophecy would have a further fulfilment in another king like Antiochus, who would arise in the future. Luther stated, “This chapter in Daniel refers to both Antiochus and the Antichrist.” Jesus said “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet,” referred to events, which were still to be fulfilled in the future, not events which were already fulfilled in the past. Mt.24v15. Antiochus was a type and foreshadowing of the final Antichrist. We therefore, must study Dan.8 to correctly understand the Antichrist, and the end time prophecies. The main burden of Gabriel's prophecy concerns, "THE TIME OF THE END." Gabriel reveals that the prophecy concerning “the little horn” is to be fulfilled at the end of the age. “Understand, O son of man; for the vision belongeth to the time of the end.” Dan.8v17. “Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in THE LATTER TIME of the indignation; for it belongeth to THE APPOINTED TIME OF THE END.” Dan.8v19. “And IN THE LATTER TIME OF THEIR KINGDOM, when transgressors are COME TO THE FULL.” Dan.8v23. This is the very statement made by our Lord in Mt.24v12., “Because the lawlessness is filled up, the “agape” love of Christians will grow cold.” Judgement will fall on the world as it did on the Amorites, when their iniquity came to the full. Gen.15v13-16. “Shut thou up the vision; for it BELONGETH TO MANY DAYS TO COME.” Dan.8v26. Jewish Bible. The primary fulfilment of the prophecy of the “little horn” in Daniel eight is referring to Antiochus Epiphanes, but Gabriel indicates a secondary fulfilment at a more distant date in the future, and gives a vivid and gruesome picture of what we, and the Jews, can expect from the final Antichrist, the future “little horn” and beast of Dan.7v7,8,24-27.. GABRIEL'S DESCRIPTION OF "THE LITTLE HORN," THE FINAL ANTICHRIST. "The little horn" will be "a king of fierce countenance," and proud words." Dan.8v23-25. Antichrist, like many politicians, will hide his true personality and aims, and by skilful propaganda and deceitful image making, present himself as a peacemaker and a strong and confident ruler with all the answers. He will successfully deceive most people, but as soon as he has established a strong power base, his true power-loving evil nature will be manifested. Even then, many people will still feel that he has the answers, for this arrogant type of person often appeals to people, just as Hitler did to Germany. Antichrist, like Hitler, will be a captivating orator; he will have “a mouth speaking great things,” and arrogantly “speak great words against the Most High.” Dan.7v8,25. The little horn comes out of one of the four horns, which shows that the Antichrist comes out of part of the Grecian empire, which, by the way, did NOT extend as far as Rome. Antichrist will be an occultist who "understands dark sayings." Dan.8v23. The word for “dark sayings” in Dan.8v23., is “chiydah,” (Strong 2420,) which means, “a puzzle, a trick, conundrum, dark saying, hard question, parable, proverb, oracle and riddle.” “Chiydah” occurs 17 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. In Judges.14v12-19., “chiydah” occurs eight times over Samson's riddle. The Philistine Lords threatened Samson's wife and her family with death if she did not find out the riddle, and so she coaxed the meaning of the riddle out of Samson. In 1King.10v1. and 2Chron.9v1., “chiydah” is used of the “hard questions” that the Queen of Sheba tried Solomon with. In Prov.1v6., Solomon states that one of his reasons for writing his book of proverbs, was to help people understand dark sayings, which are too profound to be understood by the foolish and simple. In Ps.49v4., “chiydah” is used of a psalmist with a harp, singing a proverb and dark saying, which told the sad end of those who trust in riches; this was a riddle indeed to the greedy rich, but open truth to the children of God. In Ezek.17v2., God likens Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh to two eagles and Israel to a vine. God warns Israel that there would be no hope of deliverance by aid from Pharaoh; there was no escape from the divine discipline of the Babylonian captivity, v1-24. The Lord finishes with a message of hope in v22-24., a very necessary mark of true prophecy. In Hab.2v6., God makes a proverb and “taunting riddle” to the greedy and idolatrous in Israel. In Numb.12v8., God uses “chiydah” to tell Miriam and Aaron of His normal method of revelation to most prophets in comparison to His face to face communication with Moses. In Ps.78v2., Asaph uses “chiydah” to prophesy that Jesus would tell a lot of hidden truths and dark sayings in His parables, Mt.13v34,35., with the stated intention in Mt.13v10-17., of hiding divine truth from those who did not want to receive it, and revealing heavenly truths and mysteries to those who did. Jesus is the great revealer of the divine mysteries. In Dan.8v23., God uses “chiydah” to state that the final Antichrist will “understand dark sayings.” Some say that this refers to Antichrist's diplomatic cunning and deceit. However, its use in the above Scriptures proves that “chiydah” can mean more than diplomatic cunning, for Antichrist deceit is referred to in Dan.8v25., “through his policy also, he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many.” That “chiydah” here is speaking of more than diplomatic cunning is also revealed from the character and activities of Antichrist and his empowerment by Satan. The Scriptures tell us that Satan will give his power to Antichrist and dominate and direct his mind and actions. Dan.8v24. Rev.13v4. Antichrist revels in the power that flows from the supernatural knowledge that Satan possesses and gives to him. Satan's “dark sentences” give Antichrist power over men, as well as supernatural diplomatic deceit, and guidance in strategy in war. Satan has long used the bait of false knowledge to fascinate and ensnare mankind; he used it to corrupt Adam and Eve; and has made morons of the wise and intelligent who try to explain away God as the great creator through false science and the theory of evolution. Gen.3v5-7. Rom.1v18-23. The fallen angels, who came and took upon them human form, and lived as men; are called, among other names, by the name “Nephilim.” They are reported in ancient legends to have obtained influence over mankind, and worship as Gods, by their superior knowledge. An alternative name for the Nephilim, is “Rephaim,” which means “healers,” and in the Septuagint it is actually rendered as “iatroi,” that is, “physicians,” in Ps.88v10. and Is.26v14. Superior medical knowledge has always impressed mankind; when Satan is expelled from the heavenly places into the earth at the start of the great tribulation, he will undoubtedly make this one of his ploys to deceive mankind. The servants of Satan have always made the claim to superior knowledge. The Gnostics, the Theosophists, and other occult masters, claim that their knowledge is derived from supernatural beings. According to Rev.7v7-12. and 13v42., after Satan is cast out of the heavenly places to earth, he gives his power, knowledge and wisdom to the Antichrist. Antichrist will be possessed and energised by Satan. Dan.8v24. Gabriel told Daniel that Antichrist's “power shall be mighty, but not by his own power.” Dan.8v24. John on Patmos, over 600 years later, was told the identical facts, “the dragon gave him his power, and his throne and great authority.” Satan shares his intellectual abilities and spiritual powers with Antichrist; he is the most powerful occultist of all time. It is out of the malevolent and sadistic mind of Satan that the horrors of the last days are conceived and brought into being. Antichrist, like Judas, will be possessed by Satan, and will bring to pass Satan's final evil plans. 2Thes.2v7. Both Judas and Antichrist are called “the son of perdition,” because they love evil and are unwilling to repent. They have reached the ultimate in evil; Judas by betraying Jesus and fulfilling Satan's desire to kill Christ, and Antichrist by bringing Satan's plans to dominate and destroy the world into reality. Jn.13v27. 2Thes.2v3. God has not only revealed His wonderful plans for us, He has also told us about Satan's plans, the mystery of iniquity. Mt.13v11,16,17. Rev.10v6. Eph.3v10,11. In Dan.8v10., we read that the little horn, “waxed great, even to the host of heaven, and some of the host and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled upon them.” The explanation of this is found in Rev.12v4., in John's description of the dragon, “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.” In Job.38v4-7., God calls the angelic sons of God, “morning stars,” and in Is.14v12-14., God says of Satan, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning!” God said that this fall was due to pride; “For thou hast said in thine heart, I WILL ascend into heaven, I WILL exalt my throne above the stars of God: I WILL sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I WILL ascend above the heights of the clouds; I WILL be like the Most High.” Satan led one third of the angelic hosts into evil. After Michael and his angels expel Satan from the heavenly places, his fury will know no bounds, and this is the cause of the great tribulation. Rev.12v12. Antichrist is possessed by Satan and is given his authority, and fulfils his will, and so “his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power.” Dan.8v24. Trampling upon the stars he casts down is certainly not the corruption of good angelic beings, or injury to them. It is almost certainly the “grievous bodily harm,” and sadistic humiliation, that Satan inflicts on some of the stronger evil angels, in order to establish his authority over the rest of the powers of darkness, after his own humiliation at being cast out of the heavenly places. Satan, like some of the power-loving politicians of earth, keeps his authority over the rest of the evil angels, through fear and intimidation. Evil angels have to obey Satan, those who fail to do so, suffer Satan's personal anger and retribution. Antichrist "shall destroy wonderfully" with Satan's power. Dan.8v24. Antichrist, like Satan, is the enemy of mankind. The Greek “Satanas,” (Strong 4567) is derived from either the Chaldean (Aramaic), or the Hebrew “Satan,” they both mean “adversary.” Satan is the adversary and enemy, not only of the children of God, but also of all mankind; he only comes “to steal, kill, and destroy.” Jn.10v10,11. Satan enables Antichrist to “destroy in an astonishing and wonderful way.” He will be one of the monsters of human history, whose kingdom is built on the suffering and death of untold millions of people. Antichrist "will destroy the mighty." According to Dan.11v42,43., Antichrist's conquests will be: Towards the east. Towards “the south.” That is Egypt, Ethiopia and North Africa, and possibly to the oil rich states of the Middle East. “Toward the glorious land.” See Ezek.20v6., where God calls Israel, “the glory of all lands.” Antichrist through "craft and by peace shall destroy many." Antichrist will conquer by deceit and craft, by acting as a peacemaker. His treaties are soon broken; they are a means of making people drop their guard, so that surprise attacks will enable him to conquer. His armed forces, which enter countries under treaty, supposedly to protect those countries from their enemies, take over the lands he has made treaties with. Satan has always hated the Israelites, and has moved evil political leaders, to persecute and kill them. Antichrist will fulfil Satan's desire to corrupt and destroy the chosen people, he starts his destruction of “the holy people,” by political craft, and he will, “by peace destroy many;” this includes other nations besides the Jews. Dan.8v25. Antichrist “will confirm the covenant with many for one week (of years): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Dan.9v27. When the final 3½ years are finished; “he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people.” Dan.12v7. Antichrist brings another holocaust on the Jews; this is why Jesus tells Christians not to enter, and to get out of Palestine, during the last 3½ years of this age, just as He did in A.D. 70. Lk.21v20-24. It is “the time of Jacob's trouble,” and “there shall be a time of trouble, such as there never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” Jer.30v3-9. Dan.12v1. Mt.24v21,22. Rev.7v14. N.B. The time periods mentioned in Dan.12. The period of time mentioned in Dan.12v11., is 1,290 days, which is thirty days longer than the 1,260 days ministry of the two witnesses, and the woman's preservation by God in the wilderness. Rev.11v3. 12v6,14. We learn from Dan.12v6,7., that the period of the great tribulation and Antichrist's attack upon “the holy people,” continues, “to the end of these wonders,” for “times, time and half a time;” which we learn from a comparison of Rev.12v6 and Rev.12v14., is 1260 days. It is not likely that the sacrifices are stopped a month before Antichrist's image is placed in the sanctuary, because our Lord points to the abomination of desolation as being the sign to flee from Judea, not the stopping of the sacrifices. Mt.24v15,16. Antichrist, therefore, stops the daily sacrifice at the start of the last 3½ years, at his desecration of the holy of holies. This shows that the daily sacrifices are being made. Dan.8v12. 9v27. 12v11. Jesus restores them at His return. Is.66v20-23. Zech.14v16-21. Mal.3v1-4. Mt.24v15. 2Thes.2v1-4. Rev.11v1,2. It, therefore, appears that the extra 30 days of the 1,290 days extends into the Millennium; Gabriel could well be stating that it takes a month after Jesus returns for the sacrifice and offerings to be restored, which Antichrist had removed. This extra 30 days could also have something to do with the regathering of the Jews to Palestine as well as the setting up of a priestly order. We read in Is.66v20-23., that the Israelites are brought to Palestine by the Gentile nations, “And they shall bring ALL your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of ALL nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. v21. And I will also take of them for priests and Levites, saith the Lord. v23. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” God orders the nations to bring all the Jews back into their land, and the nations obey Him, and come to worship the Lord. The period of 1,335 days is 45 days longer than the 1,290 days, and those who reach the end of these 45 days are looked upon as “blessed.” This infers that it is a period of separation and judgement at Christs coming, and the setting up of the new divine order. Jesus told us that at His coming the people of the nations will be separated like sheep from goats. Mt.25v31-46. There is also the judgement and purifying of Israel. Zech.13v8,9. Mal.3v1-6. Jesus said in Mt.13v41-43., “The Son of man shall send forth His angels and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them that do iniquity; v42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. v43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” The 30 days and 45 days make up a total period of 75 days, which makes us realise that the judgement of the nations is not rushed through, justice is not only done, it is seen to be done. Paul states that Christians will have a part in the judgement. 1Cor.6v1-3. Antichrist comes out of one of the four parts of the Grecian Empire. Dan.8v9,23. Some think that the prophecy of Is.10v5,12,24., concerning “the Assyrian,” is referring to the Antichrist, but this could refer to the captivity under the Assyrians. However, there can be no doubt that in Dan.11v40., he is called “the king of the north,” who “at the time of the end” makes a rapid advance into Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya. THE PUZZLE AND PROBLEM OF THE 2,300 DAYS. Dan.8v13,14,26. In Dan.8v13,14., a “holy one” asks, “How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?” Another “holy one” answers and informs Daniel, “Unto two thousand and three hundred evening-mornings; and then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Peter informs us that angels desire to look into prophetic truth, and God's plans and purposes for His children. 1Pet.1v10-12. This shows that angels do not know about, or comprehend, all of God's plans and purposes, and, like us, they have to depend on revelation from Him. They, like ourselves, often learn by the unfolding of events, and are taught God's manifold wisdom by His dealing with the Church. Eph.3v10,11. It is quite likely that the holy angel who asked the other “holy one,” how long the sanctuary would be “trodden under foot,” already knew the answer, and was asking the question for Daniel's sake, because the answer was directed to Daniel, “he said unto me.” Dan.8v14. It is likely, that just as Paul had special insights granted to him by God, which were hidden from other apostles, some great angels, like Gabriel, have knowledge revealed to them by God about His divine purposes, which is not revealed to other angels. 2Cor.12v3-5. Gal.1v11,12. Eph.1v9-22. 3v1-11. Uniformity of knowledge in Heaven seems as unlikely as it is in the Church on earth. Some state the treading down of the Sanctuary for 2,300 days in Dan8v13,14,26., refers to Antiochus Epiphanes, others equally confidently affirm that there is no such period in the time of Antiochus, and say it refers to Antichrist in the last days. We read that the sanctuary is to be “trodden under foot,” for “two thousand three hundred evening-mornings” before the sanctuary will be cleansed; that is 2,300 repetitions of the evening and morning sacrifice. The phrase is unique, however, some say that Scriptures, like Gen.1v5., are significant, and tend to confirm that the “evening mornings” refer to 2300 days. Others think that the 2300 evening and morning sacrifices, represent 1150 days, however, no Hebrew reader would understand it in this way, nor would they make 40 days and 40 nights mean 20 days. Leupold states the 2,300 does not fit historical facts in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, either in the form of 2300 days, or 1,150, days, no matter how the facts and figures are juggled. Wordsworth takes an opposite view and sums up the 2,300 in a comment on Dan.8v14., in his commentary on Daniel: “In order to ascertain the sense of this prophecy we must consider to what it extends. It does not merely concern the taking away of the daily sacrifice, but that which led to it, viz. the sins of the Jewish rulers, especially the high priests Jason and Menelaus, and which is called 'the transgression of desolation,' i.e. the transgression which was the cause of the desolation of the sanctuary. According to the calculation used in the Book of Daniel and the Apocalypse, where 3½ years = 42 months = 1260 days, we find that 2300 days would be equivalent to 6 years, 4 months, and 20 days. The Feast of Dedication instituted by Judas Maccabaeus at the cleansing of the Temple in the winter of B.C. 165 (1Macc.4.42-58. 2Macc.10.3-6. Josephus Ant. 12.11.), a little more than a year before the death of Antiochus, seems to be the 'terminus ad quem' or point to which this prophecy reaches, which ends with the words, 'then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed;' and the 'terminus a quo,' or point from which it is to be dated, would fall late in the summer of B.C. 171, which would nearly coincide with the profanation of the holy vessels by the traitorous High Priest Menelaus (2Macc.4.32,39), and the murder of the faithful High Priest Onias at Antioch (2Macc.433,34), and the commencement of the profane acts of Antiochus. According to 1Macc.1.21 the persecution began in the 143rd year of the era of the Greeks and lasted to the 149th year, in which Antiochus died, 1Macc.6.16 (A Lapide), but the transgression began earlier than the 143rd year (1 Macc.1.11-15). Therefore we may accept the interpretation of S. Jerome here, who says, 'Let us read the Books of the Maccabees and the history of Josephus, and we shall find six years of the desolation of Jerusalem, and three years of the pollution of the Temple by the erection of the statue of Jupiter, until the dedication by Judas Maccabaeus.” End of quote. S. P. Tregelles puts the 2,300 days in the future, he writes on pages 104 and 105 of his commentary on Dan.9v27.. “'And he ( the prince who shall come) shall confirm a covenant with the many for one week.' In 'Remarks on Chapter 8' I sought to show that the horn spoken of in the two chapters is identical, and here again he appears to come before us; in fact, the allusion seems to be made to known circumstances about him. He makes a covenant with the multitude; that of course means the multitude of Daniel's people, they make a treaty with him and he with them. This takes place three years and a half before he causes sacrifice and oblation to cease, hence it is clear that they go on in his patronage for some time. This will, I believe, throw some light on the two thousand three hundred days mentioned in chapter 8.14. We find him here making a covenant for one seven years and breaking it at the end of three years and a half; and the removal of the sacrifice, etc., is so spoken of as to connect it with the breaking of the covenant. This tends, I think, to show that one thing done in the pursuance of this covenant had been the establishment of the temple worship. The period of the two thousand three hundred days is a few months short of the whole term of the seven years, enough being not included, it may be, to be allotted for those preparations which will be needful for the worship to be set up; then follows the time during which it is carried on under his auspices, and then follow three years and a half of distinct persecuting and blasphemous power.” End of quote. From this quote we can see that Tregelles believes that the 2,300 days is to be fulfilled by the final Antichrist. G.H. Lang obviously feels the same for on page 117 of his book on “The Histories and Prophecies of Daniel,” he writes: “And surely those holy watchers feel more deeply concerned with that spot (the holy city) since the feet of the Son of God have trodden it, and near by His precious blood has reddened and redeemed the soil. How long, then, shall the desolation foretold last? When shall the great redemption take effect as regards this sacred spot? The answer is that the desolation will cover 'two thousand three hundred evening-mornings' and then the sanctuary will be cleansed. Pember remarks that, “The words of the angel in regard to the two thousand, three hundred days during which the Sanctuary and the Host are to be trodden under foot, are, perhaps, not so mysterious as they seem. The literal Hebrew expression is not 'days,' but 'evening-mornings', that is to say, two thousand, three hundred repetitions of the evening and morning sacrifices - which proves that actual days of twenty-four hours are intended. And we should note, that seven full prophetic years would contain two thousand five hundred and twenty days; that is, that the time mentioned by the angel is two hundred and twenty days short of the seven years. Now as we shall see when we consider the revelation of the Seventy Sevens, the Antichrist is to make a covenant with the majority of the Jewish nation for Seven Years, at the close of which period he will be destroyed by the appearing of the Lord, and the sanctuary will be cleansed. It would seem, then, that he will not tamper with the Sanctuary, until the two hundred and twenty-first day from the commencement of the covenant: indeed it is possible that the building of the Temple may not be completed at that time. Perhaps, the two thousand three hundred days may represent the whole time of his personal connection with the City and the Sanctuary. The actual suppression of the daily sacrifices will not take place, as we shall presently see, until three and a half of the covenant-period have passed by.” End of quote from G.H. Lang. Others, as we have seen, feel that there is no evidence for an accurate fulfilment of these 2,300 days in the career of Antiochus Epiphanes, and apply it to the final Antichrist. Wise men will search the Scriptures, and wait and see, and above all allow our Lord to spiritually prepare us for the evil last days of this age, and be prepared to overcome them. < >
The Disastrous Effects Of The Doctrine Of Original Sin \| By His Stripes We Are Healed \| The Book Of Revelation \| The Second Coming Of Christ \| The Baptism And Gifts Of The Holy Spirit \| The Comforter Is Come

Appendix One

The Ram and He goat, Antiochus and the Antichrist

In Dan.8 we see the remarkable prophecy of the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire and its destruction by Alexander the Great, the Greek general. The vision of the Ram and the He Goat is followed by the warning of the career of Antiochus Epiphanes, through which God reveals the final Antichrist. The following facts give a better understanding of the book of Daniel.

Daniel is written in two languages, Chaldean and Hebrew.
Only a few parts of the Scripture are written in Chaldean (Aramaic) these are, Ezra.4v8 to 6v19. and 7v12-27.; one verse in Jeremiah, Jer.10v11.; and about six chapters of Daniel, Dan.2v4 to 7v28.; the rest of Daniel, Dan.1v1 to 2v3., and 8v1 to 12v13., are written in Hebrew. There is a good reason for this difference, the Chaldean portion from Dan.2v4. to 7v28., records events dealing mainly with Gentile rule and the times of the Gentiles. This would enable the Chaldeans to read these chapters in Aramaic, which was the popular language of that day. This was an effective evangelistic tract, which proclaimed the majesty of God to the Chaldeans, and also gave them a solemn warning of future tragic events in their history.

The Hebrew section of Dan.1v1. to 2v3. records the fall of Jerusalem and the deportation of the best of the Jews to Babylon, and the correct response to this by Daniel and his friends. The final section from Dan.8v1. to 12v13. deals with prophetic events connected mainly with Israel and their place in God's prophetic plan, and so it was also written in Hebrew. These Hebrew sections were veiled from the Chaldeans and seem to have been for Jewish eyes only. This veiling of truth from the worldling and indifferent is a divine principle; certain truths are only for seekers. Mt.13v10-17,34,35.

Daniel had waited for two years since his last recorded vision. The vision of Daniel 8 took place in the third year of Belshazzar's reign, so two years had passed by since he had seen the awesome vision recorded in Daniel chapter seven, which took place in Belshazzar's first year. Dan.8v1,2. with 7v1. Daniel had meditated and prayed for two years for light upon the vision of the last judgement and the world empires that would affect Israel, before God gave him the further information revealed in this vision. Visions like this are not called up to order, even by the greatest of prophets. This deep insight into God's mind and purposes, was only given to great prophets, who had walked with God, and meditated deeply on the truths of the Scriptures. Many books on prophecy are manifestly the opinions and tradition of men, and reveal that their authors have made little effort in prayer, research and meditation.

The book of Daniel is not written in chronological order.
It is important to realise that the chapters of Daniel have not been arranged in chronological order; the order in time of the events and prophecies is as follows 1,2,3,4,7,8,5,9,6,10,11,12. The revelations concerning the fall of Babylon in chapters seven and eight of Daniel were given before the actual fall of Babylon, which is, recorded Daniel chapter five.

GABRIEL ACCURATELY FORETOLD FUTURE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS TO DANIEL.
The method of revelation of the prophecy.
In Dan.8v20,21., Gabriel tells Daniel of the two kingdoms which would succeed Babylon. Daniel was not given this to him by a vision in the night as in Dan.2v19. and Dan.7v2,7,13,15.; nor by revelation to his prayerful mind as in Dan.4v19-27. and 5v17.. Gabriel instructs Daniel on vital prophetic truth in Dan.8v15-27., just as in Dan.9v20-27., and by an unnamed angel in Dan.7v16,23. 10v1 to 12v13.. Jesus gave Revelation to John by “His angel,” which is possibly Gabriel. Rev.1v1.22v16.

God transports Daniel in vision to Shushan the capital of Persia.
Daniel was transported in space and time, into the future, to Shushan the capital of Persia, and given the prophetic facts about Medo-Persia; the next empire to succeed Babylon. This was the very place where Nehemiah and Ester were later going to live. Neh.1v1. Esther.1v2-5. 2v3-5. God proved He is “The Great I Am,” and not limited by time, when He transported Ezekiel back in time from Babylon to Jerusalem before its capture and destruction by the Babylonians, and revealed the sins which had brought about the captivity. Ezek.8v3. Daniel could have been taken by God into the future, either in body or spirit; or given a vision as real as life, for with God all these are possible. Paul informs us in 2Cor.12v1-4., that he did not know if he was in the body or out of the body, when he was caught up to Paradise in the third heaven, but he experienced the glory and bliss of it, and had revealed to him “unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for man to utter.” Paul was forbidden to reveal the truths that he was told on this occasion, even to other Christians, they were for his own personal information and benefit. Anyway it was quite impossible for Paul to convey the glory, beauty and love of God’s kingdom.

Gabriel reveals to Daniel that the two-horned ram represents the kings of Media and Persia.
God told Daniel that the higher of the two horns of the ram would come up last, and took Daniel to Shushan, the capital of Persia, to show that Persia would become the dominant power. This was not so when Daniel first went to Babylon, for the Medes dominated the Persians, until Cyrus the Persian reversed the situation, and Persia dominated the alliance. The description of Persia as a ram was very appropriate, for it was Persia’s national emblem. Cyrus rapidly extended the Empire Westward and Northward, his son later extended it Southwards and conquered Egypt, and as Daniel saw, it was an irresistible force. Dan.8v4. God named Cyrus 150 years before he was born, and said that He had anointed Cyrus to take Babylon and free the Israelites, this took place about 200 years after the prophecy. Is.44v28 to 45v6.

Gabriel informs Daniel that the Goat is Greece.
The description of Greece as a goat was very appropriate, for the goat was the national emblem of Macedonia. When Daniel received this prophecy; Greece was a disunited collection of competing and contending states. Alexander inherited the kingdom of Macedon at his father's death in B.C. 336; and united these states, and became their first king; he is the great horn on the goat. Alexander is often called “the Great,” because of the astonishing speed, fury, and extent of his conquests, which Dan.8v5-8. accurately foretold.

The accurate fulfilment of Gabriel's prophecy of the break-up Alexander's Empire.
As Gabriel foretold, the horn was broken off in the greatness of its strength. Alexander was taken ill by an attack of fever, some say malaria, which was aggravated by his intemperate eating and drunken excesses, and this brought about his death at the early age of 33, in B.C. 323. Alexander's brother Philip Aridaeus, and his sons Alexander Aegus and Hercules, were murdered over a period of 15 months. With the death of his heirs, four of Alexander’s generals divided his empire amongst themselves; opinions vary slightly on the exact division of the empire, but the following gives some idea of how the empire was divided.

PTOLEMY. Obtained the South; and ruled over Egypt, Cyprus and parts of North Africa.

SELEUCUS. Obtained the East; and ruled over Syria, Babylonia and Medo-Persia.

LYSIMACHUS. Took over the North, most of Asia Minor; and ruled over Thrace, Western Bithynia, Lesser Phrygia, Mysia, and Lydia, with the Meander as a boundary.

CASSANDER. Took over the Western European part of the empire; and ruled Greece and Macedonia.
God's prophetic revelations of the four horns in Dan.8v8., and four heads of the leopard in Dan.7v6., were accurately and completely fulfilled more than 200 years after Daniel prophesied these events.

THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM VISION OF DANIEL EIGHT.
In Daniel chapter eight we have a double fulfilment of prophecy.
We have the prophecy of the overthrow of the Medo-Persian empire by Greece, and the growth and division of the Grecian empire, and the manifestation, out of part of that Grecian Empire, of Antiochus Epiphanes, known by some as “Epiphanes the Madman,” like Hitler he was filled with a murderous hatred of the Jews, and killed 100,000 Jews on one occasion, and multiplied thousands more on other occasions. His evil career is recorded in the first book of Maccabees.

The little horn of chapter 7 arises from the fourth kingdom, the little horn of chapter 8 arises out of the third kingdom, and is referring to Antiochus Epiphanes; however, the prophecy has also a future fulfilment, for Antiochus is a type of the final Antichrist, both in actions and disposition. There was both a near and distant fulfilment of this prophecy, Gabriel's prophecy speaks of Antiochus but also leaps into the distant future to describe the final Antichrist. The double fulfilment of prophecy is a fact, as can be seen by the dual prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and its destruction at the end of the age in Lk.17v31. 19v41-44. 21v20-24. The prophecy concerning the betrayal of Jesus by Judas found its first fulfilment in Ahithophel, the counsellor who betrayed David. Ps.41v9. Jn.13v18.

N.B. Jerome states the Jews of his time expected a further future fulfilment of this prophecy.
Jerome, who was well acquainted with the Jews, because of His prolonged studies amongst them, states that the Jews of his time felt that this prophecy would have a further fulfilment in another king like Antiochus, who would arise in the future. Luther stated, “This chapter in Daniel refers to both Antiochus and the Antichrist.” Jesus said “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet,” referred to events, which were still to be fulfilled in the future, not events which were already fulfilled in the past. Mt.24v15. Antiochus was a type and foreshadowing of the final Antichrist. We therefore, must study Dan.8 to correctly understand the Antichrist, and the end time prophecies.

The main burden of Gabriel's prophecy concerns, "THE TIME OF THE END."
Gabriel reveals that the prophecy concerning “the little horn” is to be fulfilled at the end of the age.
“Understand, O son of man; for the vision belongeth to the time of the end.” Dan.8v17. “Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in THE LATTER TIME of the indignation; for it belongeth to THE APPOINTED TIME OF THE END.” Dan.8v19.
“And IN THE LATTER TIME OF THEIR KINGDOM, when transgressors are COME TO THE FULL.” Dan.8v23. This is the very statement made by our Lord in Mt.24v12., “Because the lawlessness is filled up, the “agape” love of Christians will grow cold.” Judgement will fall on the world as it did on the Amorites, when their iniquity came to the full. Gen.15v13-16.
“Shut thou up the vision; for it BELONGETH TO MANY DAYS TO COME.” Dan.8v26. Jewish Bible.
The primary fulfilment of the prophecy of the “little horn” in Daniel eight is referring to Antiochus Epiphanes, but Gabriel indicates a secondary fulfilment at a more distant date in the future, and gives a vivid and gruesome picture of what we, and the Jews, can expect from the final Antichrist, the future “little horn” and beast of Dan.7v7,8,24-27..

GABRIEL'S DESCRIPTION OF "THE LITTLE HORN," THE FINAL ANTICHRIST.
"The little horn" will be "a king of fierce countenance," and proud words." Dan.8v23-25.
Antichrist, like many politicians, will hide his true personality and aims, and by skilful propaganda and deceitful image making, present himself as a peacemaker and a strong and confident ruler with all the answers. He will successfully deceive most people, but as soon as he has established a strong power base, his true power-loving evil nature will be manifested. Even then, many people will still feel that he has the answers, for this arrogant type of person often appeals to people, just as Hitler did to Germany. Antichrist, like Hitler, will be a captivating orator; he will have “a mouth speaking great things,” and arrogantly “speak great words against the Most High.” Dan.7v8,25. The little horn comes out of one of the four horns, which shows that the Antichrist comes out of part of the Grecian empire, which, by the way, did NOT extend as far as Rome.

Antichrist will be an occultist who "understands dark sayings." Dan.8v23.
The word for “dark sayings” in Dan.8v23., is “chiydah,” (Strong 2420,) which means, “a puzzle, a trick, conundrum, dark saying, hard question, parable, proverb, oracle and riddle.” “Chiydah” occurs 17 times in the Hebrew Old Testament.

In Judges.14v12-19., “chiydah” occurs eight times over Samson's riddle. The Philistine Lords threatened Samson's wife and her family with death if she did not find out the riddle, and so she coaxed the meaning of the riddle out of Samson.

In 1King.10v1. and 2Chron.9v1., “chiydah” is used of the “hard questions” that the Queen of Sheba tried Solomon with.

In Prov.1v6., Solomon states that one of his reasons for writing his book of proverbs, was to help people understand dark sayings, which are too profound to be understood by the foolish and simple.

In Ps.49v4., “chiydah” is used of a psalmist with a harp, singing a proverb and dark saying, which told the sad end of those who trust in riches; this was a riddle indeed to the greedy rich, but open truth to the children of God.

In Ezek.17v2., God likens Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh to two eagles and Israel to a vine. God warns Israel that there would be no hope of deliverance by aid from Pharaoh; there was no escape from the divine discipline of the Babylonian captivity, v1-24. The Lord finishes with a message of hope in v22-24., a very necessary mark of true prophecy.

In Hab.2v6., God makes a proverb and “taunting riddle” to the greedy and idolatrous in Israel.

In Numb.12v8., God uses “chiydah” to tell Miriam and Aaron of His normal method of revelation to most prophets in comparison to His face to face communication with Moses.

In Ps.78v2., Asaph uses “chiydah” to prophesy that Jesus would tell a lot of hidden truths and dark sayings in His parables, Mt.13v34,35., with the stated intention in Mt.13v10-17., of hiding divine truth from those who did not want to receive it, and revealing heavenly truths and mysteries to those who did. Jesus is the great revealer of the divine mysteries.

In Dan.8v23., God uses “chiydah” to state that the final Antichrist will “understand dark sayings.” Some say that this refers to Antichrist's diplomatic cunning and deceit. However, its use in the above Scriptures proves that “chiydah” can mean more than diplomatic cunning, for Antichrist deceit is referred to in Dan.8v25., “through his policy also, he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many.” That “chiydah” here is speaking of more than diplomatic cunning is also revealed from the character and activities of Antichrist and his empowerment by Satan. The Scriptures tell us that Satan will give his power to Antichrist and dominate and direct his mind and actions. Dan.8v24. Rev.13v4. Antichrist revels in the power that flows from the supernatural knowledge that Satan possesses and gives to him. Satan's “dark sentences” give Antichrist power over men, as well as supernatural diplomatic deceit, and guidance in strategy in war.

Satan has long used the bait of false knowledge to fascinate and ensnare mankind; he used it to corrupt Adam and Eve; and has made morons of the wise and intelligent who try to explain away God as the great creator through false science and the theory of evolution. Gen.3v5-7. Rom.1v18-23. The fallen angels, who came and took upon them human form, and lived as men; are called, among other names, by the name “Nephilim.” They are reported in ancient legends to have obtained influence over mankind, and worship as Gods, by their superior knowledge. An alternative name for the Nephilim, is “Rephaim,” which means “healers,” and in the Septuagint it is actually rendered as “iatroi,” that is, “physicians,” in Ps.88v10. and Is.26v14. Superior medical knowledge has always impressed mankind; when Satan is expelled from the heavenly places into the earth at the start of the great tribulation, he will undoubtedly make this one of his ploys to deceive mankind. The servants of Satan have always made the claim to superior knowledge. The Gnostics, the Theosophists, and other occult masters, claim that their knowledge is derived from supernatural beings. According to Rev.7v7-12. and 13v42., after Satan is cast out of the heavenly places to earth, he gives his power, knowledge and wisdom to the Antichrist.

Antichrist will be possessed and energised by Satan. Dan.8v24.
Gabriel told Daniel that Antichrist's “power shall be mighty, but not by his own power.” Dan.8v24. John on Patmos, over 600 years later, was told the identical facts, “the dragon gave him his power, and his throne and great authority.” Satan shares his intellectual abilities and spiritual powers with Antichrist; he is the most powerful occultist of all time. It is out of the malevolent and sadistic mind of Satan that the horrors of the last days are conceived and brought into being. Antichrist, like Judas, will be possessed by Satan, and will bring to pass Satan's final evil plans. 2Thes.2v7. Both Judas and Antichrist are called “the son of perdition,” because they love evil and are unwilling to repent. They have reached the ultimate in evil; Judas by betraying Jesus and fulfilling Satan's desire to kill Christ, and Antichrist by bringing Satan's plans to dominate and destroy the world into reality. Jn.13v27. 2Thes.2v3. God has not only revealed His wonderful plans for us, He has also told us about Satan's plans, the mystery of iniquity. Mt.13v11,16,17. Rev.10v6. Eph.3v10,11.

In Dan.8v10., we read that the little horn, “waxed great, even to the host of heaven, and some of the host and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled upon them.” The explanation of this is found in Rev.12v4., in John's description of the dragon, “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.” In Job.38v4-7., God calls the angelic sons of God, “morning stars,” and in Is.14v12-14., God says of Satan, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning!” God said that this fall was due to pride; “For thou hast said in thine heart, I WILL ascend into heaven, I WILL exalt my throne above the stars of God: I WILL sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I WILL ascend above the heights of the clouds; I WILL be like the Most High.” Satan led one third of the angelic hosts into evil.

After Michael and his angels expel Satan from the heavenly places, his fury will know no bounds, and this is the cause of the great tribulation. Rev.12v12. Antichrist is possessed by Satan and is given his authority, and fulfils his will, and so “his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power.” Dan.8v24. Trampling upon the stars he casts down is certainly not the corruption of good angelic beings, or injury to them. It is almost certainly the “grievous bodily harm,” and sadistic humiliation, that Satan inflicts on some of the stronger evil angels, in order to establish his authority over the rest of the powers of darkness, after his own humiliation at being cast out of the heavenly places. Satan, like some of the power-loving politicians of earth, keeps his authority over the rest of the evil angels, through fear and intimidation. Evil angels have to obey Satan, those who fail to do so, suffer Satan's personal anger and retribution.

Antichrist "shall destroy wonderfully" with Satan's power. Dan.8v24.
Antichrist, like Satan, is the enemy of mankind.
The Greek “Satanas,” (Strong 4567) is derived from either the Chaldean (Aramaic), or the Hebrew “Satan,” they both mean “adversary.” Satan is the adversary and enemy, not only of the children of God, but also of all mankind; he only comes “to steal, kill, and destroy.” Jn.10v10,11. Satan enables Antichrist to “destroy in an astonishing and wonderful way.” He will be one of the monsters of human history, whose kingdom is built on the suffering and death of untold millions of people.

Antichrist "will destroy the mighty."
According to Dan.11v42,43., Antichrist's conquests will be:
Towards the east.
Towards “the south.” That is Egypt, Ethiopia and North Africa, and possibly to the oil rich states of the Middle East.
“Toward the glorious land.” See Ezek.20v6., where God calls Israel, “the glory of all lands.”

Antichrist through "craft and by peace shall destroy many."
Antichrist will conquer by deceit and craft, by acting as a peacemaker. His treaties are soon broken; they are a means of making people drop their guard, so that surprise attacks will enable him to conquer. His armed forces, which enter countries under treaty, supposedly to protect those countries from their enemies, take over the lands he has made treaties with.

Satan has always hated the Israelites, and has moved evil political leaders, to persecute and kill them. Antichrist will fulfil Satan's desire to corrupt and destroy the chosen people, he starts his destruction of “the holy people,” by political craft, and he will, “by peace destroy many;” this includes other nations besides the Jews. Dan.8v25. Antichrist “will confirm the covenant with many for one week (of years): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Dan.9v27. When the final 3½ years are finished; “he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people.” Dan.12v7. Antichrist brings another holocaust on the Jews; this is why Jesus tells Christians not to enter, and to get out of Palestine, during the last 3½ years of this age, just as He did in A.D. 70. Lk.21v20-24. It is “the time of Jacob's trouble,” and “there shall be a time of trouble, such as there never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” Jer.30v3-9. Dan.12v1. Mt.24v21,22. Rev.7v14.

N.B. The time periods mentioned in Dan.12.
The period of time mentioned in Dan.12v11., is 1,290 days, which is thirty days longer than the 1,260 days ministry of the two witnesses, and the woman's preservation by God in the wilderness. Rev.11v3. 12v6,14. We learn from Dan.12v6,7., that the period of the great tribulation and Antichrist's attack upon “the holy people,” continues, “to the end of these wonders,” for “times, time and half a time;” which we learn from a comparison of Rev.12v6 and Rev.12v14., is 1260 days. It is not likely that the sacrifices are stopped a month before Antichrist's image is placed in the sanctuary, because our Lord points to the abomination of desolation as being the sign to flee from Judea, not the stopping of the sacrifices. Mt.24v15,16. Antichrist, therefore, stops the daily sacrifice at the start of the last 3½ years, at his desecration of the holy of holies. This shows that the daily sacrifices are being made. Dan.8v12. 9v27. 12v11. Jesus restores them at His return. Is.66v20-23. Zech.14v16-21. Mal.3v1-4. Mt.24v15. 2Thes.2v1-4. Rev.11v1,2.

It, therefore, appears that the extra 30 days of the 1,290 days extends into the Millennium; Gabriel could well be stating that it takes a month after Jesus returns for the sacrifice and offerings to be restored, which Antichrist had removed. This extra 30 days could also have something to do with the regathering of the Jews to Palestine as well as the setting up of a priestly order. We read in Is.66v20-23., that the Israelites are brought to Palestine by the Gentile nations, “And they shall bring ALL your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of ALL nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. v21. And I will also take of them for priests and Levites, saith the Lord. v23. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” God orders the nations to bring all the Jews back into their land, and the nations obey Him, and come to worship the Lord.

The period of 1,335 days is 45 days longer than the 1,290 days, and those who reach the end of these 45 days are looked upon as “blessed.” This infers that it is a period of separation and judgement at Christs coming, and the setting up of the new divine order. Jesus told us that at His coming the people of the nations will be separated like sheep from goats. Mt.25v31-46. There is also the judgement and purifying of Israel. Zech.13v8,9. Mal.3v1-6. Jesus said in Mt.13v41-43., “The Son of man shall send forth His angels and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them that do iniquity; v42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. v43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” The 30 days and 45 days make up a total period of 75 days, which makes us realise that the judgement of the nations is not rushed through, justice is not only done, it is seen to be done. Paul states that Christians will have a part in the judgement. 1Cor.6v1-3.

Antichrist comes out of one of the four parts of the Grecian Empire. Dan.8v9,23.
Some think that the prophecy of Is.10v5,12,24., concerning “the Assyrian,” is referring to the Antichrist, but this could refer to the captivity under the Assyrians. However, there can be no doubt that in Dan.11v40., he is called “the king of the north,” who “at the time of the end” makes a rapid advance into Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya.

THE PUZZLE AND PROBLEM OF THE 2,300 DAYS. Dan.8v13,14,26.
In Dan.8v13,14., a “holy one” asks, “How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?” Another “holy one” answers and informs Daniel, “Unto two thousand and three hundred evening-mornings; and then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”

Peter informs us that angels desire to look into prophetic truth, and God's plans and purposes for His children. 1Pet.1v10-12. This shows that angels do not know about, or comprehend, all of God's plans and purposes, and, like us, they have to depend on revelation from Him. They, like ourselves, often learn by the unfolding of events, and are taught God's manifold wisdom by His dealing with the Church. Eph.3v10,11. It is quite likely that the holy angel who asked the other “holy one,” how long the sanctuary would be “trodden under foot,” already knew the answer, and was asking the question for Daniel's sake, because the answer was directed to Daniel, “he said unto me.” Dan.8v14. It is likely, that just as Paul had special insights granted to him by God, which were hidden from other apostles, some great angels, like Gabriel, have knowledge revealed to them by God about His divine purposes, which is not revealed to other angels. 2Cor.12v3-5. Gal.1v11,12. Eph.1v9-22. 3v1-11. Uniformity of knowledge in Heaven seems as unlikely as it is in the Church on earth.

Some state the treading down of the Sanctuary for 2,300 days in Dan8v13,14,26., refers to Antiochus Epiphanes, others equally confidently affirm that there is no such period in the time of Antiochus, and say it refers to Antichrist in the last days. We read that the sanctuary is to be “trodden under foot,” for “two thousand three hundred evening-mornings” before the sanctuary will be cleansed; that is 2,300 repetitions of the evening and morning sacrifice. The phrase is unique, however, some say that Scriptures, like Gen.1v5., are significant, and tend to confirm that the “evening mornings” refer to 2300 days. Others think that the 2300 evening and morning sacrifices, represent 1150 days, however, no Hebrew reader would understand it in this way, nor would they make 40 days and 40 nights mean 20 days. Leupold states the 2,300 does not fit historical facts in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, either in the form of 2300 days, or 1,150, days, no matter how the facts and figures are juggled.

Wordsworth takes an opposite view and sums up the 2,300 in a comment on Dan.8v14., in his commentary on Daniel:
“In order to ascertain the sense of this prophecy we must consider to what it extends. It does not merely concern the taking away of the daily sacrifice, but that which led to it, viz. the sins of the Jewish rulers, especially the high priests Jason and Menelaus, and which is called 'the transgression of desolation,' i.e. the transgression which was the cause of the desolation of the sanctuary. According to the calculation used in the Book of Daniel and the Apocalypse, where 3½ years = 42 months = 1260 days, we find that 2300 days would be equivalent to 6 years, 4 months, and 20 days.

The Feast of Dedication instituted by Judas Maccabaeus at the cleansing of the Temple in the winter of B.C. 165 (1Macc.4.42-58. 2Macc.10.3-6. Josephus Ant. 12.11.), a little more than a year before the death of Antiochus, seems to be the 'terminus ad quem' or point to which this prophecy reaches, which ends with the words, 'then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed;' and the 'terminus a quo,' or point from which it is to be dated, would fall late in the summer of B.C. 171, which would nearly coincide with the profanation of the holy vessels by the traitorous High Priest Menelaus (2Macc.4.32,39), and the murder of the faithful High Priest Onias at Antioch (2Macc.433,34), and the commencement of the profane acts of Antiochus.

According to 1Macc.1.21 the persecution began in the 143rd year of the era of the Greeks and lasted to the 149th year, in which Antiochus died, 1Macc.6.16 (A Lapide), but the transgression began earlier than the 143rd year (1 Macc.1.11-15).
Therefore we may accept the interpretation of S. Jerome here, who says, 'Let us read the Books of the Maccabees and the history of Josephus, and we shall find six years of the desolation of Jerusalem, and three years of the pollution of the Temple by the erection of the statue of Jupiter, until the dedication by Judas Maccabaeus.” End of quote.

S. P. Tregelles puts the 2,300 days in the future, he writes on pages 104 and 105 of his commentary on Dan.9v27..
“'And he ( the prince who shall come) shall confirm a covenant with the many for one week.' In 'Remarks on Chapter 8' I sought to show that the horn spoken of in the two chapters is identical, and here again he appears to come before us; in fact, the allusion seems to be made to known circumstances about him. He makes a covenant with the multitude; that of course means the multitude of Daniel's people, they make a treaty with him and he with them. This takes place three years and a half before he causes sacrifice and oblation to cease, hence it is clear that they go on in his patronage for some time. This will, I believe, throw some light on the two thousand three hundred days mentioned in chapter 8.14. We find him here making a covenant for one seven years and breaking it at the end of three years and a half; and the removal of the sacrifice, etc., is so spoken of as to connect it with the breaking of the covenant. This tends, I think, to show that one thing done in the pursuance of this covenant had been the establishment of the temple worship. The period of the two thousand three hundred days is a few months short of the whole term of the seven years, enough being not included, it may be, to be allotted for those preparations which will be needful for the worship to be set up; then follows the time during which it is carried on under his auspices, and then follow three years and a half of distinct persecuting and blasphemous power.” End of quote.

From this quote we can see that Tregelles believes that the 2,300 days is to be fulfilled by the final Antichrist.
G.H. Lang obviously feels the same for on page 117 of his book on “The Histories and Prophecies of Daniel,” he writes:
“And surely those holy watchers feel more deeply concerned with that spot (the holy city) since the feet of the Son of God have trodden it, and near by His precious blood has reddened and redeemed the soil. How long, then, shall the desolation foretold last? When shall the great redemption take effect as regards this sacred spot? The answer is that the desolation will cover 'two thousand three hundred evening-mornings' and then the sanctuary will be cleansed. Pember remarks that, “The words of the angel in regard to the two thousand, three hundred days during which the Sanctuary and the Host are to be trodden under foot, are, perhaps, not so mysterious as they seem.

The literal Hebrew expression is not 'days,' but 'evening-mornings', that is to say, two thousand, three hundred repetitions of the evening and morning sacrifices - which proves that actual days of twenty-four hours are intended. And we should note, that seven full prophetic years would contain two thousand five hundred and twenty days; that is, that the time mentioned by the angel is two hundred and twenty days short of the seven years.

Now as we shall see when we consider the revelation of the Seventy Sevens, the Antichrist is to make a covenant with the majority of the Jewish nation for Seven Years, at the close of which period he will be destroyed by the appearing of the Lord, and the sanctuary will be cleansed. It would seem, then, that he will not tamper with the Sanctuary, until the two hundred and twenty-first day from the commencement of the covenant: indeed it is possible that the building of the Temple may not be completed at that time. Perhaps, the two thousand three hundred days may represent the whole time of his personal connection with the City and the Sanctuary. The actual suppression of the daily sacrifices will not take place, as we shall presently see, until three and a half of the covenant-period have passed by.” End of quote from G.H. Lang.

Others, as we have seen, feel that there is no evidence for an accurate fulfilment of these 2,300 days in the career of Antiochus Epiphanes, and apply it to the final Antichrist. Wise men will search the Scriptures, and wait and see, and above all allow our Lord to spiritually prepare us for the evil last days of this age, and be prepared to overcome them.

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