Part 10 of 12
Tribulation Prophecy
(Daniel 10–11:31)
By the time we reach Daniel chapter 10, Daniel is an old man—nearly 90 years old. He had been taken captive as a teenager when Babylon conquered Jerusalem. The seventy years of captivity had been fulfilled, yet Daniel himself would never return home.
We are now in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia.
After Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians, Daniel continued serving in high government. He moved from Babylon to Shushan and remain... morePart 10 of 12
Tribulation Prophecy
(Daniel 10–11:31)
By the time we reach Daniel chapter 10, Daniel is an old man—nearly 90 years old. He had been taken captive as a teenager when Babylon conquered Jerusalem. The seventy years of captivity had been fulfilled, yet Daniel himself would never return home.
We are now in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia.
After Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians, Daniel continued serving in high government. He moved from Babylon to Shushan and remained influential under successive rulers of the Medo-Persian Empire.
Cyrus and God’s Sovereign Plan
Cyrus was the ruler whom God used to issue the decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem (cf. Book of Ezra 1).
Remarkably, in Book of Isaiah 45, God even calls Cyrus “My shepherd” and “My anointed,” showing that God raises rulers for His purposes—even pagan kings.
Daniel 10:1 tells us:
“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel…”
Daniel had endured decades in exile. Though the decree had been given, Jerusalem was still largely desolate. He mourned and fasted for three full weeks.
The Vision by the Tigris River
Daniel was standing by the great river Hiddekel (the Tigris) when he saw a glorious figure:
• Clothed in linen
• Girded with fine gold
• Face like lightning
• Eyes like lamps of fire
• Feet like polished brass
• Voice like a multitude
The description closely parallels Christ’s appearance in Book of Revelation 1.
Compare:
• Eyes as a flame of fire
• Feet like fine brass
• Voice like many waters
This strongly suggests Daniel saw a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ — a theophany.
Later in the chapter, an angelic being (likely Gabriel) continues speaking with Daniel, explaining that spiritual warfare had delayed the message for 21 days. The “prince of Persia” had resisted him until Michael intervened.
This passage reveals something profound:
Behind earthly empires operate spiritual forces.
The Rise of Grecia – Alexander the Great
Daniel 10:20 foretells:
“The prince of Grecia shall come.”
This refers to Alexander the Great, who would overthrow the Persian Empire and establish the Greek Empire — just as Daniel had earlier prophesied in chapter 8.
After Alexander’s death at age 33, his empire was divided among four generals.
One of those divisions eventually produced Antiochus Epiphanes.
Antiochus Epiphanes – Prototype of the Antichrist
Antiochus IV Epiphanes ruled over Syria and controlled Israel. He desecrated the Temple by:
• Stopping the daily sacrifices
• Sacrificing a pig on the altar
• Setting up a pagan idol in the Holy of Holies
This act foreshadowed what Daniel calls “the abomination of desolation.”
Antiochus becomes a prophetic prototype of the future Antichrist.
The Coming Antichrist (Daniel 11:21–31)
Daniel 11 shifts from historical fulfillment under Antiochus to the final world ruler.
He is described as:
• A vile person
• Rising to power by flatteries
• Gaining influence through deceit
• Exercising military dominance
• Breaking covenant agreements
This aligns with Paul’s description in Second Epistle to the Thessalonians 2:
He will exalt himself above all that is called God.
He will eventually:
• Stop Temple sacrifices
• Set up the abomination
• Begin the Great Tribulation
This links directly back to Daniel 9:27 — the midpoint of the seven-year period.
The Final Seven Years (Daniel 11:32–45)
From verse 32 onward, Daniel previews the Tribulation in clearer language.
Some will stand firm in faith, but many will suffer martyrdom.
This period is described elsewhere as:
• “The time of Jacob’s trouble” (Book of Jeremiah 30:7)
• A refining fire for Israel (Book of Zechariah 13:8–9)
Two-thirds in the land will perish; one-third will survive and call upon the Lord.
The Self-Exalting World Ruler
Daniel 11:36 describes the Antichrist in unmistakable terms:
• He will do according to his will
• Exalt himself above every god
• Speak blasphemies
• Prosper for a set time
Paul confirms this in 2 Thessalonians 2:
He will sit in the temple of God, claiming to be God.
This period is precisely timed by God — just as Christ came “in the fullness of time” (Epistle to the Galatians 4:4).
Global Conflict and the Glorious Land
Daniel 11:40–45 describes military campaigns involving:
• The king of the south (Egypt)
• The king of the north
• Invasions across the Middle East
He ultimately plants his headquarters in “the glorious holy mountain” — Jerusalem.
This parallels Book of Revelation 13, where the Beast receives power from Satan and rules forty-two months (3½ years).
The final half of the Tribulation is Satan’s most intense period of activity.
The Time of Unprecedented Trouble (Daniel 12)
Daniel 12 opens:
“There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was…”
Jesus quoted this directly in Gospel of Matthew 24:21:
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world…”
The parallel is exact.
The Resurrection Foretold
Daniel 12:2 provides one of the clearest Old Testament statements on resurrection:
“Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Jesus affirms this in Gospel of John 5:28–29:
• Resurrection of life
• Resurrection of judgment
Physical death is described as “sleep” because the body will awaken. The soul remains conscious; it does not cease to exist.
God’s Timetable
Throughout Daniel, one theme remains constant:
Everything unfolds according to God’s appointed time.
Empires rise and fall.
Rulers gain power.
Nations rage.
But the prophetic clock moves exactly as God decreed.
The final seven years will not begin early or late — only when His sovereign plan requires it.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 9 of 12 - Tribulation Prophecy
Daniel 9:24–27; 11:31
Daniel chapter 9 contains one of the most important prophetic timelines in all of Scripture. This prophecy was given directly to Daniel concerning his people, the nation of Israel, and his holy city, Jerusalem.
Jesus Himself confirmed Daniel as a true prophet in Gospel of Matthew 24, giving us confidence that this prophecy is divinely inspired and essential for understanding end-time events.
The Seventy Weeks Prophecy: 490 Years for I... morePart 9 of 12 - Tribulation Prophecy
Daniel 9:24–27; 11:31
Daniel chapter 9 contains one of the most important prophetic timelines in all of Scripture. This prophecy was given directly to Daniel concerning his people, the nation of Israel, and his holy city, Jerusalem.
Jesus Himself confirmed Daniel as a true prophet in Gospel of Matthew 24, giving us confidence that this prophecy is divinely inspired and essential for understanding end-time events.
The Seventy Weeks Prophecy: 490 Years for Israel
Daniel 9:24 states:
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”
The word “weeks” here refers to weeks of years. Seventy weeks equals 490 years.
This prophecy specifically concerns:
• Daniel’s people: Israel
• Daniel’s city: Jerusalem
It does not refer to Gentile nations or the Church, but to God’s prophetic program for Israel.
These 490 years were given to accomplish six purposes:
• To finish transgression
• To make an end of sins
• To make reconciliation for iniquity
• To bring in everlasting righteousness
• To seal up vision and prophecy
• To anoint the Most Holy
The Foundation: Christ’s Work Made Salvation Possible for All
Through Christ’s death on the Cross, reconciliation was made possible for all humanity.
Scripture confirms this universal provision:
• Christ died for the sins of the world
• Forgiveness was made available to all
• Reconciliation was accomplished through His sacrifice
However, salvation becomes effective only for those who believe.
As stated in Gospel of John 1:9:
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
Christ’s work was sufficient for all, but it is applied only by faith.
The Starting Point: The Decree to Rebuild Jerusalem (454 B.C.)
Daniel 9:25 tells us the timeline would begin with a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
This decree was given to Nehemiah by King Artaxerxes, recorded in Book of Nehemiah chapter 2.
This decree authorized:
• Rebuilding the city walls
• Restoring the gates
• Reestablishing Jerusalem as a functioning city
This occurred in 454 B.C. and marks the beginning of the prophetic countdown.
First Division: Seven Weeks (49 Years)
The first segment of the prophecy lasted seven weeks, or 49 years.
During this period:
• Jerusalem was rebuilt
• The walls and streets were restored
• The Temple worship system was reestablished
This period concluded around 405 B.C.
Second Division: Sixty-Two Weeks (434 Years)
After the first 49 years came an additional 62 weeks, or 434 years.
This brings the total to 483 years from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem.
This timeline leads directly to the appearance and crucifixion of the Messiah.
Daniel 9:26 states:
“After threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.”
This refers to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ around A.D. 29.
Christ was cut off, for the sins of the world.
The Destruction of Jerusalem (A.D. 70)
Daniel also foretold that after the Messiah would be cut off:
“The people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.”
This was fulfilled in A.D. 70, when the Roman Empire destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple.
This event confirms that the coming prince (the Antichrist) would arise from the same people—the Roman sphere.
The Prophetic Gap: One Week Remaining (7 Years)
After 483 years were fulfilled, one prophetic week remains unfulfilled.
This final seven-year period is described in Daniel 9:27.
This period is commonly called:
• The Tribulation
• The Seventieth Week of Daniel
This future period completes the full 490-year prophecy.
The Antichrist and the Final Seven Years
Daniel 9:27 states:
“He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.”
This refers to a future political leader, the Antichrist, who will establish a treaty involving Israel.
This treaty will initiate the final seven-year period.
In the middle of the seven years (after 3½ years):
• He will break the treaty
• Stop Temple worship
• Bring desolation
This event marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
Confirmation from the New Testament
Jesus referred to this same future event in Gospel of Matthew 24, warning about deception, tribulation, and His eventual return.
Paul also referred to this period in First Epistle to the Thessalonians 5:3:
“When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.”
This aligns perfectly with Daniel’s prophecy of a peace treaty followed by sudden devastation.
Summary of the Prophetic Timeline
From the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the Cross, 483 years were fulfilled exactly as Daniel prophesied.
Seven years remain unfulfilled.
These final seven years will complete God’s prophetic program for Israel and culminate in Christ’s return to establish His Kingdom.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 8 of 12
Daniel’s Prayer and Prophecy
Daniel 9:3–24
Daniel 9:5 says:
“We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.”
Daniel is praying on behalf of the nation of Israel. His prayer is rooted in Israel’s long history of rebellion.
To understand what Daniel is confessing, we go back to Second Chronicles chapter 36, the final chapter of Israel’s history before the Babylonian captivity. G... morePart 8 of 12
Daniel’s Prayer and Prophecy
Daniel 9:3–24
Daniel 9:5 says:
“We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.”
Daniel is praying on behalf of the nation of Israel. His prayer is rooted in Israel’s long history of rebellion.
To understand what Daniel is confessing, we go back to Second Chronicles chapter 36, the final chapter of Israel’s history before the Babylonian captivity. God repeatedly sent prophets to warn His people because He had compassion on them and on Jerusalem. But Israel mocked the messengers, despised God’s words, and misused His prophets until there was no remedy. Judgment followed.
God brought in the Babylonians. Jerusalem was destroyed. The Temple was burned. The people were taken captive. This fulfilled what had been written by Jeremiah—that the land would enjoy its sabbath rests for seventy years because Israel had failed to obey the sabbatical year.
Daniel knows exactly why they are in captivity. It was rebellion. It was unbelief.
He confesses:
“Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets…”
Throughout Israel’s history, prophets warned the nation to turn from idolatry and rebellion. Instead, they persecuted them. As Stephen declared in Acts 7:
“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?”
Israel’s pattern was consistent: reject the message, kill the messenger.
Even during Christ’s earthly ministry, unbelief remained the root problem. In Matthew 16, when Jesus asked who He was, only Peter answered correctly:
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Unbelief has always been Israel’s central issue.
Daniel continues:
“O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces…”
He acknowledges that all twelve tribes remain accountable. They were not “lost.” They were scattered among the nations as foretold in Leviticus 26 and again in Jeremiah 25.
By the time of Pentecost in Acts 2, Jews were dwelling in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven. They had migrated throughout the Roman world for centuries following the captivity. Yet they remained connected to Jerusalem and the Temple.
Daniel appeals to Jehovah’s mercy:
“O Lord… forgive.”
He knows Israel deserves judgment. But he pleads for restoration because God is merciful.
Daniel recognizes that everything happening to Israel was foretold in the Law of Moses. He references the curses written centuries earlier.
Under Law, blessing followed obedience and cursing followed rebellion. That is the context of Daniel’s prayer. This is not Grace—it is Israel under covenant Law.
To contrast this, consider the prayers of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians and Colossians. Paul does not pray for national restoration under Law. He prays that believers grow in wisdom, spiritual understanding, and knowledge of Christ.
Under Grace, believers are not law-keepers striving for acceptance. They are people of faith.
As written in First Corinthians 15:1–4, the gospel is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Salvation is received by faith.
Daniel’s prayer centers on national repentance. Paul’s prayers center on spiritual growth in Grace.
That distinction is critical.
Daniel continues pleading for forgiveness and restoration, remembering God’s mighty acts—especially the Red Sea deliverance. Yet even after such miracles, Israel repeatedly fell into idolatry and unbelief.
Throughout history, only a remnant truly believed. As Elijah learned, even when he thought he was alone, God preserved seven thousand who had not bowed to Baal.
Daniel closes this portion of prayer asking God to restore Jerusalem and the sanctuary. In the back of his mind is one central hope:
The coming Kingdom.
While Daniel is still praying, the angel Gabriel appears and tells him he is greatly beloved. Interestingly, the writer of Revelation—John—is also called “the beloved.” Both were given foundational prophetic revelation.
Gabriel announces:
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”
These “weeks” are weeks of years. One week equals seven years. This is confirmed in Daniel 9:27, where the week is divided in half.
Jesus Himself confirms this in Matthew 24 when He references “the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet.”
In Revelation 11 and 12, the time periods of 42 months, 1,260 days, and “time, times, and half a time” all equal three and one-half years. The final week is clearly seven years divided into two halves.
Seventy weeks equals 490 years determined upon Israel and Jerusalem—not the Church.
These 490 years are to:
• Finish transgression
• Make an end of sins
• Make reconciliation for iniquity
• Bring in everlasting righteousness
The work of reconciliation was accomplished at the Cross.
As Second Corinthians 5:19 says:
“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself…”
And Colossians 2:13 declares that believers are forgiven all trespasses.
The payment for sin was complete. Yet it must be appropriated by faith.
Prophecy follows a clear pattern, outlined even in Psalms 2:
1. Rejection of the Messiah
2. God’s wrath and vexation
3. The establishment of the King on Zion
First the suffering. Then the glory.
Daniel’s prophecy lays the foundation for understanding that entire timeline.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 7 of 12
Scripture: Daniel 7:14–9:2; Daniel 7:25–28
1. The Anti-Christ’s Blasphemy and Persecution
Daniel 7:25 describes a coming ruler, the Anti-Christ, who will:
• Speak great words against the Most High (blasphemy against God).
• Wear out the saints (persecuting the Jewish people and faithful believers).
• Seek to change “times and laws” — an attempt to disrupt God’s divine order.
• Rule for “a time, times, and half a time” — interpreted as 3½ years, the middle of the seven-year T... morePart 7 of 12
Scripture: Daniel 7:14–9:2; Daniel 7:25–28
1. The Anti-Christ’s Blasphemy and Persecution
Daniel 7:25 describes a coming ruler, the Anti-Christ, who will:
• Speak great words against the Most High (blasphemy against God).
• Wear out the saints (persecuting the Jewish people and faithful believers).
• Seek to change “times and laws” — an attempt to disrupt God’s divine order.
• Rule for “a time, times, and half a time” — interpreted as 3½ years, the middle of the seven-year Tribulation period (see Daniel 9:27).
This figure will not only target Israel but will also impose tyrannical rule worldwide. His reign is part of God’s sovereign plan to bring the end-times to their fulfillment.
2. Divine Judgment Against the Anti-Christ
Daniel 7:26:
“But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.”
God will ultimately execute judgment at Christ’s Second Coming, utterly defeating the Anti-Christ and dismantling everything he has tried to control. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the scale of destruction during this Tribulation — a time of unparalleled death and chaos on Earth.
3. The Everlasting Kingdom of the Saints
Daniel 7:27a:
“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom...”
• At Christ’s return, the faithful remnant of Israel will be fully redeemed.
• This remnant will repopulate and inhabit the Promised Land.
• Two-thirds of Israel will be lost, but one-third will survive and enter the earthly Kingdom, fully devoted to God.
Revelation 12:17 reinforces this: the “remnant” are those who keep God’s commandments and have the testimony of Jesus. Historically, God’s faithful remnant has always been small — from Noah’s family to Elijah’s 7,000 and the returning exiles under Ezra. This pattern continues: even in Israel’s end-times history, only a faithful third will remain.
4. Daniel’s Human Response
Daniel 7:28:
“Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.”
• Daniel, now 87, reflects on decades of service in foreign kingdoms.
• Though eager for God’s Kingdom, he understands it is still far in the future.
• He continues faithfully, keeping these visions in his heart while living out God’s work in his present reality.
5. Shift in Focus — Hebrew Language and Israel
• Daniel 8 begins in Hebrew, signaling a shift from Gentile empires to Israel’s perspective.
• Daniel is now in Shushan (Susa), the capital of the Mede-Persian Empire (Daniel 8:2).
• He observes a ram with two horns (Medes and Persians), one higher than the other, signifying Persia’s dominance.
6. God’s Sovereignty in History
• The ram moves westward, fulfilling God’s plan for the Gospel to spread to Western nations rather than east.
• Genesis 9:27: God will enlarge Japheth (Caucasian peoples), while dwelling in the tents of Shem (the Jews), showing God’s orchestrated provision for technology, trade, and culture in the Western world.
• Paul’s missionary journeys confirm this divine direction, emphasizing the westward spread of Christianity in alignment with God’s plan.
7. The Goat — Alexander the Great
Daniel 8:5–8 describes the goat with a single horn, symbolizing Alexander’s swift conquests.
• He defeats the ram (Medes and Persians) with incredible speed.
• Alexander’s empire is divided among four generals after his death, foreshadowing the pattern of world powers and the coming prototype of the Anti-Christ.
8. Antiochus Epiphanes — A Type of the Anti-Christ
• From one of Alexander’s four generals comes a “little horn” (Daniel 8:9), Antiochus Epiphanes.
• His oppressive rule over Israel, desecration of the Temple, and persecution of God’s people serve as a historical model of what the future Anti-Christ will do on a global scale.
The Four Great Empires Interpreted
Scripture: Daniel 8:9–9:2; Daniel 7:14–9:2
1. Historical Fulfillment and Prophetic Accuracy
• Daniel’s visions foretold events centuries before they occurred.
• History validates these prophecies, demonstrating the Bible’s divine inspiration.
2. Antiochus Epiphanes as a Prototype
• After Alexander’s death, his four generals murdered his heirs to seize power.
• Antiochus took Syria, Israel, and Egypt, persecuting Israel and desecrating the Temple.
• Daniel 8:9–14 shows this historical “little horn” as a precursor to the future Anti-Christ.
o He will attack the Jewish Temple and suppress God’s Word.
o A timeline of 2,300 days (approx. 6 years and 4 months) ends with the Temple’s cleansing (cf. Maccabees; Daniel 8:14).
3. Angelic Explanation
• Gabriel explains the vision (Daniel 8:16–19):
o The events Daniel saw, though historical in part, also foreshadow the end-times.
o The Anti-Christ’s global persecution parallels Antiochus’ actions but on a larger scale.
• Daniel’s human reaction: fear, fainting, and illness reflect the weight of seeing God’s sovereign plan unfold (Daniel 8:27).
4. Connection to Christ and the Tribulation
• Daniel 8:25 and 9:26 link the Anti-Christ with Christ’s Second Coming:
o The Anti-Christ will oppose the Prince of princes (Jesus Christ).
o He will temporarily deceive the world but will ultimately be defeated “without hand.”
• Psalms 2:1–8 provides a prophetic parallel:
o Nations rage against God and His Messiah,
o God laughs, judges, and establishes His King on Zion.
5. Revelation Confirms the Outcome
• Revelation 19:19–20 details the defeat of the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet:
o They are cast alive into the lake of fire, bypassing the Great White Throne Judgment.
o Satan will be bound for a thousand years before his final defeat.
6. Daniel’s Understanding Limited to God’s Timing
• Daniel 12:8–9 reminds us that prophetic insight is sometimes withheld until God’s appointed time.
• The understanding of end-times prophecy only became clear in the late 1800s and early 1900s, just as Daniel could not fully comprehend the vision in his own day.
7. Context in Daniel’s Lifetime
• Daniel writes from the Mede-Persian period, prior to Alexander the Great.
• He interprets Jeremiah’s prophecy of seventy years of desolation (Daniel 9:1–2; Jeremiah 25:11; Leviticus 26:32).
• The unfolding of history validates God’s precise planning and timing.
Takeaways
1. God’s sovereignty directs the rise and fall of empires to fulfill His prophetic plan.
2. Historical figures like Antiochus Epiphanes serve as prototypes of the Anti-Christ.
3. Only God’s faithful remnant prevails through persecution; two-thirds of Israel will be lost in the end-times.
4. Prophecy demonstrates the certainty of Christ’s Second Coming and the establishment of His earthly Kingdom.
5. Even a great prophet like Daniel could not fully comprehend God’s plan — understanding comes in God’s timing.
Daniel’s Prayer and the Seventy Weeks Prophecy
Scripture: Daniel 9:3–19
1. Daniel’s Devotion and Spiritual Discipline
In Daniel 9:3, we see the prophet turning to God with prayer, fasting, and sackcloth—signs of deep humility and urgent intercession.
• Daniel humbly acknowledges Israel’s sin and the disobedience of God’s people over generations.
• He models how believers should approach God in times of national crisis or personal need: with confession, humility, and dependence on God’s mercy.
• Prayer is both personal and corporate; Daniel prays not just for himself but for the covenant people of God.
2. Confession of Corporate Sin
Daniel 9:4–15 emphasizes the confession of Israel’s sins as a nation:
• The exile is a consequence of persistent rebellion, idolatry, and failure to keep God’s covenant.
• Daniel recognizes the justice of God’s actions: the Babylonian captivity is not arbitrary but an execution of divine discipline.
• By confessing sins corporately, Daniel models how intercessors today can pray for restoration while acknowledging God’s righteousness.
3. Appeal to God’s Character
In Daniel 9:16–19, Daniel’s prayer highlights God’s attributes:
• Merciful — God’s compassion is invoked as the basis for restoration.
• Faithful — His covenant promises are the hope for Israel’s redemption.
• Mighty to save — Daniel relies on God’s power, not human effort, to restore the people.
This prayer frames the backdrop for the coming revelation of the seventy weeks prophecy, showing that prophetic insight is grounded in repentance, dependence, and relationship with God.
4. Principles for Intercessory Prayer
From Daniel 9, we learn that effective prayer involves:
• Confession of personal and national sin.
• Humility before God’s sovereignty.
• Reliance on God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness.
• Recognition that answers to prayer are in God’s timing and according to His plan.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 6 of 12
THE SON GIVEN DOMINION AND A KINGDOM
Understanding the coming Kingdom requires rightly dividing Scripture and distinguishing Israel from the Body of Christ.
John the Baptist: Herald of the King
Matthew 3:1-3
• John the Baptist announces the imminent arrival of the Kingdom to Israel.
• Repentance is emphasized because, under the Old Covenant, it was a prerequisite for blessing.
Repentance in context:
• For Israel (metanoeō, Strong’s 3340): A moral reconsideration and change ... morePart 6 of 12
THE SON GIVEN DOMINION AND A KINGDOM
Understanding the coming Kingdom requires rightly dividing Scripture and distinguishing Israel from the Body of Christ.
John the Baptist: Herald of the King
Matthew 3:1-3
• John the Baptist announces the imminent arrival of the Kingdom to Israel.
• Repentance is emphasized because, under the Old Covenant, it was a prerequisite for blessing.
Repentance in context:
• For Israel (metanoeō, Strong’s 3340): A moral reconsideration and change of mind in preparation for God’s Kingdom.
• For us today (metamelomai, Strong’s 3338): Regret or change of direction following salvation; salvation itself is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Thus, for Israel, repentance precedes the Kingdom. For the Body of Christ, salvation precedes repentance.
Christ’s Identity and the Kingdom
Matthew 16:13-16 – Peter’s Confession
• Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?”
• Peter responds, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
• This confession recognizes Christ’s messianic identity, not His crucifixion yet. Israel’s acknowledgment was necessary for the Kingdom to be fully realized.
The Promised Kingdom for Israel
Luke 1:67-77 – Zacharias’ prophecy at John the Baptist’s birth:
• God’s promises are reaffirmed for Israel.
• Salvation and deliverance focus on Israel from their enemies and the establishment of a righteous Kingdom.
• John’s role is to prepare Israel for the Messiah, reinforcing that the promises are still primarily for the Jewish people.
Christ’s Ministry and the Kingdom
Acts 1:3-7
• After His resurrection, Jesus spends 40 days teaching about the Kingdom of God.
• The apostles’ questions about the timing of Israel’s Kingdom highlight their expectation of Christ’s return as King.
• Jesus clarifies that the timing is God’s prerogative.
Matthew 19:27-28
• The apostles ask about their reward for following Christ.
• Jesus promises them thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel during the 1,000-year Kingdom (the “regeneration”).
Genesis 15:18 underscores God’s covenantal promise of the land to Abraham’s descendants, forming the territorial basis for Israel’s future governance.
Key Points
1. The Son of Man receives universal dominion (Daniel 7:13-14).
2. Isaiah and Zechariah depict the literal and righteous rule of Christ over a restored earth.
3. Old Testament promises focus on Israel, with the Gentile nations involved as beneficiaries of Israel’s light.
4. John the Baptist and Christ’s ministry emphasized repentance and preparation for Israel’s Kingdom.
5. The apostles understood the Kingdom as an imminent, physical, and national event, not spiritualized for the Church.
6. Salvation by grace through faith and repentance function differently for Israel (repentance first) and the Body of Christ (repentance follows).
This sets the stage for understanding the coming earthly Kingdom, its administration by Christ and the apostles, and the distinction between Israel and the Body of Christ.
Timeline the Old Testament Prophets Saw - Nothing of Paul’s “mysteries”
• Adam – 4004 B.C.
• The Flood – 2348 B.C.
• Babel – 2175 B.C.
• Abraham – 2000 B.C.
• Moses / The Law – 1500 B.C.
• David – 1000 B.C.
• Babylon & Nebuchadnezzar – 606 B.C.
• The Cross (Christ’s death)
• The Ascension – Psalm 110:1
• 7 Years of Tribulation
• Second Coming
• 1,000 Years of the Kingdom
• Eternity
Daniel 7:14–17
Daniel 7:14a
"And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
In this vision, Daniel sees the Son of God being granted authority over a Kingdom that is unlike any human kingdom. When Scripture speaks of a Kingdom, it involves three critical components: a King, a people, and a land. All three are fulfilled in Christ. This Kingdom is not temporary—it is everlasting, impervious to destruction, and beyond human or demonic opposition.
Daniel 7:15
"I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me."
Daniel’s reaction shows us the intensity of revelation. He is human, and even the most spiritually attuned believer can be overwhelmed by the divine unveiling of God's future plans. These visions were not myths or stories; they were supernatural communications from God, revealing His sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His Kingdom over all earthly powers.
Daniel 7:16
"I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things."
Here, Daniel approaches an angel for clarification, showing that God provides understanding alongside revelation. Divine revelation without interpretation can leave even the most faithful grieved or confused.
Daniel 7:17
"These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth."
The “beasts” represent four successive Gentile empires, each wielding dominion over God’s covenant people in its own time. This imagery should not be read literally; Daniel uses familiar symbols—wild, carnivorous animals—to communicate the power, ferocity, and character of these empires.
1. Lion with eagle’s wings – Babylonian Empire (Daniel 7:4)
o A carnivorous predator, symbolizing Babylon’s swift and ruthless conquests.
2. Bear raised up on one side with three ribs – Medo-Persian Empire (Daniel 7:5)
o The bear’s raised side indicates Persia’s dominance over the Medes, devouring nations (the three ribs).
3. Leopard with four wings – Greek Empire (Daniel 7:6)
o The leopard represents speed and swiftness, reflecting Alexander the Great’s rapid conquests.
o The four wings symbolize the four generals who divided his empire after his death.
4. Dreadful, strong, iron-toothed beast with ten horns – Roman Empire and its end-time revival (Daniel 7:7)
o This empire is different, stronger, and more terrifying, reflecting absolute political and military authority.
o The ten horns correspond to ten kings or nations, foreshadowing the final world government under the Antichrist.
Cross-reference with Daniel 2:
• Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:31–33) depicts the same four empires as a metallic statue:
o Gold – Babylon
o Silver – Medo-Persia
o Brass – Greece
o Iron and clay – Rome and its future revival
• This shows God’s consistent prophetic pattern and His sovereignty over human history.
Luke 21:20–24 – Jesus confirms this timeline, referring to Jerusalem under Gentile domination until the end of the age. “Times of the Gentiles” refers to periods when Gentile powers rule over Jerusalem, which began with Babylon and continues through history. God’s plan, however, guarantees that His covenant people will ultimately occupy the Promised Land and see the Messiah reign.
Romans 11:25 – The Apostle Paul explains the complementary timeline: while Gentiles experience God’s mercy through the Body of Christ, Israel is temporarily blinded, waiting for the fullness of the Gentiles to be completed. Afterward, God will resume His work with His covenant people.
Daniel 7:18
"But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever."
This verse leaps to the Millennial Kingdom, when Christ returns to establish His rule, and the saints—both Old Testament believers and tribulation survivors—will share in His reign.
The Fourth Beast and the Antichrist
Scripture: Daniel 7:19–25
Daniel 7:19–20
"Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast… and of the ten horns… even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows."
The fourth beast is the end-time revival of the Roman Empire, more dreadful than all previous empires. The ten horns represent ten kings/nations, and one “little horn” rises to power—this is the Antichrist, a charismatic and authoritarian figure empowered by Satan, who will dominate the world and oppose God. Three of the original ten will fall or be subdued, leaving seven under his influence.
Daniel 7:21
"I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them."
The Antichrist will persecute Israel during the great tribulation, successfully killing two-thirds of the Jewish population. Only one-third, God’s preserved remnant, will survive.
Matthew 24:15–21 – Jesus elaborates on these events:
• The “abomination of desolation” signals the Antichrist’s defilement of the rebuilt Temple.
• Jewish believers are instructed to flee to God’s designated place of safety.
• The flight applies to all social classes: the wealthy, the working class, homemakers, and mothers. God will provide supernatural protection, mirroring His faithfulness in the past.
Zechariah 13:8–9
• God will preserve one-third of Israel, refining them like silver and gold.
• This remnant will finally recognize the Messiah, and God will declare them “My people”, a reversal from the historical “thy people.”
Daniel 7:22–25
• The Ancient of Days (God the Father) will intervene, giving judgment and authority to the saints.
• The Antichrist’s rule will end, Israel will enter their Millennial Kingdom, and Christ will reign as King over all the earth.
• The fourth beast represents the final world empire, the stage for the Antichrist.
• The Antichrist arises from this empire, empowered by Satan, to oppose God and persecute Israel.
• God preserves a faithful remnant and ultimately establishes His everlasting Kingdom, fulfilling Daniel’s vision of the Son’s dominion and glory.
Scripture Focus: Daniel 7:14–9:2
Daniel 7:14a
“And there was given him… dominion, and glory, and a kingdom…”
Here, Daniel is describing a vision in which he sees God the Son—Christ—being given authority over an eternal kingdom. Notice carefully: a kingdom involves three essentials: a king, a people, and a land. God is saying that His Son will have all three. His dominion is everlasting, unending, and indestructible.
Daniel 7:14b
“…his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed.”
This is a kingdom unlike any human government. It cannot fail, cannot be overthrown, and will outlast all earthly empires.
Daniel 7:15
“I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.”
Daniel’s reaction is completely human. Such revelations are overwhelming. Imagine seeing the spiritual realities behind world events, empires rising and falling, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom—no wonder Daniel felt physically troubled.
Daniel 7:16
“I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So, he told me and made me know the interpretation of the things.”
Daniel turns to an angel for clarity, and God provides interpretation. This shows that God’s prophetic revelation is both mysterious and explainable—we can understand it when He wills.
Daniel 7:17–18
“These great beasts… are four kings that shall arise out of the earth… But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever.”
The “beasts” represent world empires. Not literal animals, but governments. The final beast—the fourth—is the most terrifying, a picture of the Roman Empire and, ultimately, a revived world empire under the anti-Christ.
• Daniel 7:4 – Lion with eagle’s wings = Babylonian Empire (powerful, predatory).
• Daniel 7:5 – Bear raised on one side = Medo-Persian Empire (conquering with strategic force).
• Daniel 7:6 – Leopard with four wings = Greek Empire under Alexander the Great (fast, expansive conquests, then divided among four generals).
• Daniel 7:7 – Fourth beast, dreadful and strong, with iron teeth and ten horns = Roman Empire (absolute authority, militarily powerful).
Connection to Daniel 2:
The four empires are also seen in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream as a statue of four metals: gold, silver, brass, and iron. Daniel 2 gives the chronological order in another symbolic form, showing God’s consistency in prophecy.
Luke 21:20–24
Jesus spoke prophetically about the desolation of Jerusalem, describing the Roman siege of A.D. 70, which fulfills Daniel’s visions of Gentile dominance. “Times of the Gentiles” refers to the period in which Jerusalem is under foreign control—from Babylon to the British mandate, and even today, with political influence from major powers like the United States.
Romans 11:25
“…that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.”
Paul reveals the mystery of God’s plan: while the world fills its cup of iniquity, God is filling His people, the Body of Christ, who are called out from the Gentiles. Only after this fullness will God resume His direct dealings with Israel in the end times.
Daniel 7:18
“But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.”
This is the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy: after the final Tribulation, Christ will return, defeat evil, and establish His eternal Kingdom, where His saints reign with Him.
THE FINAL EMPIRE AND THE TRIBULATION
Scripture Focus: Daniel 7:18–25; Matthew 24; Zechariah 13
Daniel 7:18a
“But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom…”
God’s people—His saints—will inherit the kingdom after the fullness of the Gentiles and the coming Tribulation. This is when Christ Himself will exercise ultimate authority.
Daniel 7:19–20
Daniel seeks understanding about the fourth beast—the final Roman Empire and its ten horns (ten nations). Three of these nations will be conquered or uprooted, leaving seven, over which the singular “little horn” (anti-Christ) will rise. This horn will speak arrogantly against God and oppress the saints.
Daniel 7:21–22
“I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them… until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High…”
This is the midpoint of the Tribulation, when the anti-Christ turns against Israel. He will dominate with cunning, charisma, and demonic empowerment. But God preserves a remnant—those He will bring through fiery trial, just as He spared Daniel and his friends in the furnace.
Matthew 24:15–21
Jesus gives practical instructions for Israel during this time: flee to safety when the abomination of desolation occurs in the rebuilt Temple. This remnant will include:
• The wealthy (Matthew 24:17) – leave their possessions behind.
• The working class (Matthew 24:18) – leave quickly, trusting God’s provision.
• Mothers with children (Matthew 24:19–20) – pray for safe timing.
Zechariah 13:8–9
God promises that of Israel, two-thirds will perish, but one-third will survive. This remnant will be refined, purified, and restored as God’s people. They will finally recognize their Messiah, and God will declare, “It is My people,” marking a profound covenantal restoration.
Daniel 7:23–25
The fourth beast (Revised Roman Empire) will be different from all others, devouring and oppressing the world. Out of it, ten kings arise; one will dominate (the anti-Christ), subduing three nations, speaking arrogantly against God, and attempting to alter divine law.
Summary:
• Daniel’s vision spans history—from Babylon to the Tribulation.
• God’s ultimate plan: the defeat of evil, the protection of Israel, and the establishment of Christ’s eternal Kingdom.
• Prophecies interconnect: Daniel, Matthew, Zechariah, Revelation, and Acts all show God’s sovereign orchestration of history.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 5 of 12
Daniel 7:9–14
“The Vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man”
In Daniel 7, beginning with verse 1, Daniel recounts a vision given to him by God. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a metallic statue (gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay), Daniel’s prophetic vision portrays the same Gentile empires as living beasts—lion, bear, leopard, and an indescribable fourth beast. Each beast corresponds to the historical succession of empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
Th... morePart 5 of 12
Daniel 7:9–14
“The Vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man”
In Daniel 7, beginning with verse 1, Daniel recounts a vision given to him by God. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a metallic statue (gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay), Daniel’s prophetic vision portrays the same Gentile empires as living beasts—lion, bear, leopard, and an indescribable fourth beast. Each beast corresponds to the historical succession of empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
The Accuracy of Prophecy
Skeptics often claim Daniel was a forgery, arguing that he could not have predicted the rise and fall of these empires with such precision unless the account was written after the events. But prophecy is a demonstration of God’s omniscience. As Scripture reminds us, God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He sovereignly orchestrates human history—including elections, leadership, and world events—while allowing free will to unfold within His divine plan.
Daniel 7:9 – The Ancient of Days
“I beheld until the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels as burning fire.”
Here Daniel shifts from earthly empires to the eternal throne of God the Father. Notice: this is God the Father seated on the throne; God the Son is not described here as seated. The imagery of fiery flames and “wheels” conveys both holiness and divine motion or action.
Heavenly Imagery in Scripture
To understand the “wheels,” consider Ezekiel 1:16:
“The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl; they four had one likeness: and their appearance and work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.”
This otherworldly description parallels the vision in Daniel, showing that the heavenly realm surpasses human comprehension. Revelation 4:2–6 also mirrors this imagery: the throne, the emerald rainbow, twenty-four elders, four living creatures full of eyes—all illustrating the glory and complexity of the heavenly throne room.
Human imagination can grasp only glimpses. Even Paul, when caught up to Heaven, was not allowed to fully describe what he saw (2 Corinthians 12:2–4). The takeaway is simple: God’s glory and Heaven’s majesty are beyond human capacity to fully comprehend.
Daniel 7:10–12 – The Judgment of the Beasts
“A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him; thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened… I beheld until the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame… As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season.”
Here we see the Great White Throne judgment echoed in Revelation 20. The “beast” represents the Antichrist, and his doom is certain: cast into the lake of fire along with the False Prophet (Revelation 19:20). The other nations and powers—these Gentile empires—lose authority but may continue in diminished existence for a time, showing God’s justice and patience.
Daniel 7:13–14 – The Son of Man
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Daniel sees the Son of Man—Jesus Christ—approaching the Father, receiving eternal dominion and authority. This parallels Revelation 5:1–13, where Christ, the Lamb, alone is worthy to open the scroll, redeeming mankind by His death, burial, and resurrection. Through this act, God reclaims the dominion over the earth, which was forfeited by Adam’s sin and usurped by Satan.
Key Takeaways:
1. Prophecy validates God’s sovereignty over history.
2. Heaven is incomprehensibly glorious—scriptural imagery helps us glimpse it but cannot capture it fully.
3. The ultimate victory belongs to Christ: the Antichrist and all rebellious powers will be judged.
4. Christ’s resurrection is central; without it, redemption is incomplete.
The Son Given Dominion and a Kingdom
Daniel 7:14 emphasizes that the dominion granted to the Son is both universal and everlasting:
“…his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Many in Christendom fail to grasp that this refers to a literal, earthly Kingdom—a Kingdom ruled by Christ with justice and peace, inhabited by flesh-and-blood humans, yet entirely free from sin and the curse. This is the millennial Kingdom, which ultimately transitions into eternity.
The Kingdom in Revelation and Eternity
Revelation 21:1–5 describes the final renewal:
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth… Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven… Behold, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.” (not new things)
The New Heaven and New Earth reflect God’s ultimate restoration. While believers experience a “new creation” now (2 Corinthians 5:17), the complete transformation awaits eternity. This continuity shows that the millennial Kingdom foreshadows eternal rule, extending Christ’s dominion into a renewed creation.
Old Testament Foundations
The earthly Kingdom is foreshadowed throughout Scripture:
• Exodus 19:3–6: Israel is called to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” The Kingdom requires a King (Christ), subjects (the people), and territory (promised land).
• Isaiah 9:6–7: Christ is the divine Child whose government and peace will never end, reigning on David’s throne in Jerusalem.
• Isaiah 2:2: The Kingdom of the LORD will be exalted above all other nations, and all nations will ultimately flow unto it.
These passages show the Kingdom is not merely symbolic—it is a tangible, global government under Christ, with Jerusalem as its center, and the authority of the Son of God extending over all creation.
Christ as Communicator
Every divine revelation in Scripture—from Exodus to Daniel to Revelation—demonstrates the role of Christ as the mediator between God the Father and humanity. Hebrews 1:1–2 confirms:
“God…at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.”
This reinforces that Christ is central to the plan of redemption, from prophecy to fulfillment, from judgment to the establishment of His eternal Kingdom.
Summary: Daniel’s vision portrays both earthly empires and heavenly judgment.
• Christ, the Son of Man, receives eternal dominion after the defeat of the Antichrist.
• The millennial Kingdom is literal, global, and sinless, serving as the bridge to eternity.
• Scripture consistently reveals Christ as the divine communicator and ruler.
• Revelation and Old Testament prophecy complement Daniel, showing God’s ultimate plan for Earth and mankind.
THE SON GIVEN DOMINION AND A KINGDOM
Daniel 7:9-14
Let’s continue focusing on the prophecy of the Son of Man, a clear reference to Jesus Christ, and the kingdom given to Him by God.
Daniel 7:13-14a
"I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom..."
Here we see a central promise: God gives dominion, glory, and a kingdom to His Son. Notice that this kingdom is not limited to Israel—it is universal. Daniel 7:14b confirms this:
"…that all people, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
The text gives no explicit duration in the Old Testament, but Revelation later mentions a 1,000-year reign. Importantly, Revelation also points beyond that 1,000 years to the eternal state with a new heaven and a new earth, showing the everlasting nature of Christ’s rule.
The Coming Kingdom in Isaiah
Isaiah 11 provides a prophetic description of Christ’s righteous and universal reign:
Isaiah 11:1-2
"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."
This emphasizes that the Messiah will rule with divine wisdom and power, not human limitations.
Isaiah 11:3-5 describes His perfect judgment:
• He will not judge by appearances or partial information.
• He will rule the poor and meek with equity and justice.
• Righteousness and faithfulness will define His governance.
Isaiah 11:6-9 portrays an earth transformed into peace and harmony:
• Predators and prey will coexist peacefully.
• Children will be safe among wild animals.
• Even carnivorous animals will eat plants instead of flesh.
• The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD, reminiscent of the pre-Fall world.
This vision is not symbolic fluff—it is a literal prophecy of a restored creation under Christ’s righteous rule.
The Restoration of Israel in Zechariah
Zechariah 14 outlines the events leading up to Christ’s reign:
Zechariah 14:1-4
• The seven-year Tribulation begins with the gathering of nations against Jerusalem.
• God supernaturally protects the faithful remnant of Israel.
• After these events, the Messiah returns, His feet on the Mount of Olives, separating it and creating a valley.
Zechariah 14:8-9 describes the transformation of the land and Christ’s kingship:
• Rivers of fresh water will flow from Jerusalem, healing the Dead Sea and supporting life.
• The LORD will reign over the whole earth; Israel and the nations will recognize Him as the one true King.
Ezekiel 47 further emphasizes the restoration of nature, with life returning to previously barren areas and an abundance of fish along the riverbanks.
Christ as King in the New Testament
Matthew 5:17
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
Jesus’ earthly ministry fulfilled the Old Testament promises concerning the Kingdom, not primarily the Cross at this stage. His mission was to prepare Israel for His kingship.
Acts 3:18-26 shows Peter preaching to Israel:
• Christ’s suffering and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecy.
• Israel is called to repentance in preparation for the “times of refreshing” and the coming Kingdom.
Isaiah 42:1-6 confirms that Israel’s Messiah will also be a light to the Gentiles, but the primary covenantal promises are still focused on Israel.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
The Key to Understanding the Bible
The Bible is the greatest book ever given to mankind. Yet, many people hesitate to open its pages because they feel it is a closed door, often saying, “I just can’t understand it.”
But you can understand it. The key to unlocking the Scriptures is simpler than most realize: YOU MUST PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHOM and from WHOM A PARTICULAR PASSAGE IS WRITTEN. We must never confuse God’s program for Israel (the Old Covenant) with His program for the Church (the Ne... moreThe Key to Understanding the Bible
The Bible is the greatest book ever given to mankind. Yet, many people hesitate to open its pages because they feel it is a closed door, often saying, “I just can’t understand it.”
But you can understand it. The key to unlocking the Scriptures is simpler than most realize: YOU MUST PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHOM and from WHOM A PARTICULAR PASSAGE IS WRITTEN. We must never confuse God’s program for Israel (the Old Covenant) with His program for the Church (the New Covenant). God Himself made a clear distinction between the two, and we must honor that distinction if we are to be faithful students of His Word.
When God speaks to the believer in this present Age of Grace, He primarily does so through the writings of the Apostle Paul. While the entire Bible is written for us, not all of it is written to us as direct command. Many instructions given to Israel under the Old Covenant do not apply to the Church today. However, we must remember that while God’s methods change, His nature does not. The things God hated in ancient Israel, He still hates today. He does not change in His character, holiness, or standards of righteousness (Malachi 3:6). He has simply changed the way He deals with humanity across different periods of history.
The Changing Landscape of Divine Dealings
To understand the Bible, one must recognize how God’s dealings have shifted through time. These are not changes in God’s mind, but transitions in His administrative plan for the earth.
In the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve lived in perfect, unhindered fellowship with their Creator. There was no sin, no curse, and no death. They enjoyed daily communion in a world of perfection.
After the Fall Everything changed instantly. Sin entered the world, the curse followed, and humanity was expelled from the garden. Life was now defined by toil, pain, spiritual separation, and physical death (Genesis 3).
After the Flood Humanity grew so corrupt that God destroyed the world, sparing only Noah and his family. When they stepped off the ark, the world operated under a new set of conditions—different from Eden and different from the pre-flood world (Genesis 9).
After the Tower of Babel When humanity rebelled again, God responded by confusing their languages and scattering the nations across the earth. This marked another major shift in how God governed the human race.
The Call of Abraham God began something entirely new: a covenant relationship with one chosen nation, Israel. Through this people, He would reveal His purposes and ultimately bring forth the Messiah (Genesis 12:1-3).
The Law of Moses Around 1500 BC, God gave Israel the Law—a system that was strict, precise, and unforgiving. To break the Law was to invite death. Picking up sticks on the Sabbath or committing adultery brought swift judgment. This was Law in its purest form, not the watered-down traditions often seen today.
The Dispensation of Grace Then came the Apostle Paul, through whom God revealed a mystery never before seen: the message that we are "not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14). To Israel, this was shocking. Grace represents an entirely different set of conditions—a new way God deals with mankind based on the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Why Distinctions Matter
The Bible is not inherently difficult to understand; the difficulty arises when people mix things that God has kept separate. CONFUSION IS THE NATURAL RESULT OF BLENDING LAW AND GRACE, OR ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH.
The Apostle Paul’s writings—Romans through Philemon—contain the doctrine, instruction, and revelation specifically for the Church, which is the Body of Christ. This section of Scripture is where every believer should begin, as it explains salvation by faith alone, our position in Christ, and our hope for the future. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, the gospel for today is built upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Even books like Hebrews, while containing profound truth, must be placed in their proper context. Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who had come to Christ through the "gospel of the kingdom." It is not addressed to the Gentile-led Body of Christ in the same way Paul's prison epistles are. When we "rightly divide" these sections, the Bible moves from a book of contradictions to a masterpiece of divine order.
The Science of Interpretation: Exegesis and Hermeneutics
To arrive at the truth, we must practice Exegesis—the careful, critical explanation of a text. True exegesis seeks to draw out the meaning the author intended, rather than reading our own ideas into the verses. This requires us to divide the Word carefully: dispensationally, prophetically, and historically.
Supporting this is Hermeneutics, the study of the rules and methods used to interpret the Bible. Every believer is commanded to be a practitioner of hermeneutics. As 2 Timothy 2:15 charges us:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved... rightly dividing the word of truth."
The Laws of Understanding
1. The Law of Literal Interpretation: We interpret the Bible in its normal, natural, plain sense. If Jesus says He fed five thousand (Mark 8:19), we believe five thousand real people were fed. We do not "spiritualize" or search for "secret" meanings that bypass the plain text.
2. The Law of Context: We must interpret historically (understanding the culture of the time), grammatically (following the rules of language), and contextually (looking at the surrounding verses and the book as a whole). For example, the "meaningless" outlook in Ecclesiastes is understood only when we see the phrase "under the sun," which defines the book's earthly perspective.
3. The Law of Scriptural Harmony: The Bible never contradicts itself. Therefore, we compare Scripture with Scripture. Isaiah’s condemnation of trusting in Egyptian horses (Isaiah 31:1) is understood perfectly when compared to God's earlier command in Deuteronomy 17:16.
Hermeneutics is not about restricting the Holy Spirit; it is about protecting God’s truth from personal bias and tradition. As Jesus prayed in John 17:17, "Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth." To walk in that truth, we must be faithful interpreters of the Word.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 4 of 12
The Handwriting on the Wall
Text: Daniel 5:1 – 6:2
Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, ruled Babylon during its final days. Though he inherited one of the greatest empires in history, he lacked the humility his grandfather eventually learned.
One night, Belshazzar held a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles. During the feast, he committed an act of shocking irreverence.
He ordered that the sacred vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem be brought in, and he and... morePart 4 of 12
The Handwriting on the Wall
Text: Daniel 5:1 – 6:2
Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, ruled Babylon during its final days. Though he inherited one of the greatest empires in history, he lacked the humility his grandfather eventually learned.
One night, Belshazzar held a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles. During the feast, he committed an act of shocking irreverence.
He ordered that the sacred vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem be brought in, and he and his guests drank wine from them.
These vessels had been set apart for God’s service. They were holy—not because of their material, but because of their purpose.
Yet Belshazzar used them to praise idols:
“They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.” (Daniel 5:4)
These idols represented human invention and religious corruption. They had no life, no power, and no authority.
Belshazzar was openly defying the God of heaven.
The Hand Appears
Suddenly, in the midst of the feast, a supernatural event occurred.
A hand appeared and began writing on the palace wall.
The king saw it.
Immediately, his confidence vanished. His face turned pale. His knees trembled.
He called his wise men, astrologers, and soothsayers—but none could interpret the message.
Human wisdom failed completely.
Daniel Is Summoned
At last, the queen remembered Daniel—the man whom Nebuchadnezzar had trusted.
Though now an elderly man, Daniel was brought before the king.
Belshazzar offered him wealth and power if he could interpret the writing.
Daniel refused the rewards but agreed to give the interpretation.
Before explaining the message, Daniel reminded Belshazzar of his grandfather’s experience.
Nebuchadnezzar had been humbled by God.
He had learned that God rules over all.
Belshazzar knew this history.
Yet he had ignored it.
Daniel declared:
“Thou… hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.” (Daniel 5:22)
This was his great sin—not ignorance, but willful rejection.
The Meaning of the Writing
The message written on the wall was:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN
Daniel explained:
MENE — God has numbered your kingdom and finished it.
TEKEL — You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.
PERES — Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
This was not a warning.
It was a verdict.
Babylon’s time had ended.
Babylon Falls
That very night, the prophecy was fulfilled.
The Medo-Persian army diverted the Euphrates River, allowing soldiers to enter the city through the dry riverbed beneath the walls.
Babylon fell suddenly and unexpectedly.
Belshazzar was killed.
The Medo-Persian Empire took control, under the leadership of Darius the Mede.
Daniel Preserved Through Changing Empires
Though kingdoms fell, Daniel remained.
He continued to serve under the new government.
This demonstrates an important truth:
God preserves His servants even as world empires rise and fall.
Daniel had served under Babylon.
He would now serve under the Medes and Persians.
And he would continue to play a vital role in God’s unfolding prophetic plan.
Key Lessons
1. God rules over all human authority.
2. Pride leads to humiliation.
3. God gives opportunity for repentance.
4. Judgment comes when God’s warnings are ignored.
5. Earthly kingdoms are temporary.
6. God’s kingdom is eternal.
Faith in the Midst of Opposition
Scripture Reference: Daniel 4:26 – 7:8
As we continue through the Book of Daniel, we see a profound pattern: God blesses those who walk faithfully in His ways, even in the midst of worldly opposition. Daniel, a man of unwavering faith and integrity, had received extraordinary wisdom, understanding, and insight from God. Yet this very integrity made him a target.
The world often cannot tolerate a person of such character. Even today, those who stand firm in their convictions, especially faith-based convictions, often face attacks, criticism, or political resistance. Daniel faced a similar reality: he did not compromise or hide his devotion to God.
Daniel’s Unshakable Devotion
Daniel 6:9-10 shows his response to a decree that threatened his life:
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
The decree did not alter Daniel’s devotion. He continued his practice of prayer, openly and faithfully.
When his adversaries—the 120 satraps and the two presidents—discovered Daniel praying, they brought this to King Darius’ attention:
“Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” (Daniel 6:12b)
Darius, though trapped by the law of the Medes and Persians which could not be altered (Daniel 6:15), deeply respected Daniel. His initial response was frustration with himself, as he tried everything legally possible to save Daniel (Daniel 6:14b).
Divine Deliverance
Daniel was cast into the lions’ den, but God intervened:
“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me…” (Daniel 6:22)
Daniel’s faithfulness brought about God’s miraculous deliverance. His life is a testimony that integrity and devotion to God result in divine protection and honor. Consequently, those who had sought Daniel’s destruction were themselves cast into the den (Daniel 6:24), illustrating divine justice.
Gentiles Who Recognized the God of Israel
God’s sovereignty extends beyond Israel. Just as Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, acknowledged the God of Israel (Exodus 18:1-12), Gentile leaders like Darius came to recognize the living God. Daniel 6:26-28 underscores this universal acknowledgment:
“…men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom which shall not be destroyed.”
Prophetic Vision of Future Empires
Daniel 7 presents a vision of the future Gentile empires as beasts arising from the “great sea of humanity”:
1. Lion with eagle’s wings – Babylon (Daniel 7:4)
2. Bear with three ribs in its mouth – Medo-Persia (Daniel 7:5)
3. Leopard with four wings and four heads – Greece under Alexander the Great (Daniel 7:6)
4. Dreadful fourth beast with ten horns – Rome, extending into the revived end-time empire (Daniel 7:7-8)
The “little horn” emerging from the ten horns represents the future anti-Christ, a charismatic yet wicked ruler (Daniel 7:8; 11:21). His characteristics align with the descriptions in II Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13: a human empowered by Satan, who will deceive the nations and oppose God.
The Coming Anti-Christ and End-Time Prophecy
Scripture References: Daniel 7:8; II Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13
When studying prophecy, it’s common to encounter differing interpretations. Some focus on minor details rather than the overarching message. Our aim is to see the big picture: the rise of the anti-Christ and the end-time events.
The Anti-Christ and the Revived Roman Empire
Daniel 7:8 describes the “little horn” rising among ten horns, representing ten nations within a revived/revised Roman Empire. Three of these nations will be subdued or eliminated, giving rise to the anti-Christ as a dominant global figure:
“…before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots; and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.”
This future world ruler will be brilliant, manipulative, and highly persuasive, drawing the world to him through charisma and deception.
Paul’s Prophecy: II Thessalonians 2
The apostle Paul emphasizes that the anti-Christ cannot be revealed until the “falling away” occurs:
“…that man of sin…be revealed, the son of perdition, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God…” (II Thessalonians 2:3-4)
He will even set himself up in a reconstructed Temple in Jerusalem, claiming divine authority.
Revelation 13: The Anti-Christ and His Empire
John the Revelator provides further insight:
• The anti-Christ rises from the “sea of humanity,” symbolizing global influence.
• He receives power from Satan (Revelation 13:2).
• A deadly wound to one of his heads is healed, astounding the world (Revelation 13:3).
• He speaks blasphemies and rules for forty-two months (three-and-a-half years), the midpoint of the Tribulation (Revelation 13:5-6).
• He will dominate nations, languages, and people, exercising unprecedented control (Revelation 13:7-8).
The Role of Satan
At the midpoint of the Tribulation, Satan is cast from heaven to earth (Revelation 12:7-9), fully empowering the anti-Christ. This is reminiscent of Job 1:6-8, where Satan had access to the heavenly council. Now, he is cast down with his angels, seeking vengeance in a short window of three-and-a-half years.
The False Prophet
The anti-Christ will have a religious counterpart, the False Prophet, described in Revelation 19:20. Together, they will deceive the world and enforce worship of the beast system until Christ’s return.
Key Insight
While understanding end-time prophecy is important, it is secondary to our calling in Christ. The Rapture removes the Church before the Tribulation, ending the current age of grace. Believers must focus on faithfulness, prayer, and living under God’s guidance, rather than becoming overly preoccupied with the minutiae of the seven-year Tribulation.
Expanded Reflection
1. Faith Over Fear: Daniel’s story demonstrates that unwavering faith and devotion to God can overcome worldly threats.
2. Gentiles Recognizing God: God’s sovereignty is universal, drawing even foreign rulers to acknowledge His power.
3. Prophetic Continuity: Daniel, Paul, and John provide a unified prophetic vision of the end-time empire and the rise of the anti-Christ.
4. The Church and Grace: The Rapture signifies the end of this age of grace; understanding prophecy should encourage preparedness and spiritual focus, not fear.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 3 of 12
Daniel 3 — The Image, the Furnace, and the Faithful Remnant
As we move into Daniel chapter 3, we leave the prophetic panorama of chapter 2 and enter a historical event that carries profound prophetic implications.
Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive image on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. The structure is staggering in scale — sixty cubits high and six cubits wide (approximately ninety feet tall). It dominates the landscape. It is meant to command attention. It is mean... morePart 3 of 12
Daniel 3 — The Image, the Furnace, and the Faithful Remnant
As we move into Daniel chapter 3, we leave the prophetic panorama of chapter 2 and enter a historical event that carries profound prophetic implications.
Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive image on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. The structure is staggering in scale — sixty cubits high and six cubits wide (approximately ninety feet tall). It dominates the landscape. It is meant to command attention. It is meant to demand submission.
And submission is exactly what the decree requires.
“Whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” (Daniel 3:6)
This is not optional allegiance. It is enforced worship.
Global Representation — Unified Political Submission
When the music sounds — the orchestra of state power — “all the people, the nations, and the languages” fall down and worship.
This does not necessarily mean every individual on earth stood there physically. Rather, representatives from across the empire were present — government officials, rulers, dignitaries — much like global representation at major state ceremonies today. What is pictured is international political unity under one image.
It is centralized authority.
It is coerced worship.
It is political religion.
The scene foreshadows what will later be revealed in Revelation 13 — a global system requiring allegiance under threat of death.
Why Was Israel in Babylon?
We must remember why these Jewish exiles are even present in Babylon.
There were two major reasons for the seventy-year captivity:
1. The Neglected Sabbatical Years
According to Leviticus 25, Israel was to let the land rest every seventh year. For 490 years they ignored this command. God allowed the land to enjoy its missed Sabbaths through seventy years of desolation (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:21).
2. Idolatry and Moral Corruption
Far more serious was Israel’s descent into pagan worship. Despite repeated warnings in Deuteronomy 7, they adopted the abominations of the surrounding nations.
By the time of Jeremiah, they were openly worshiping the “Queen of Heaven” (Jeremiah 44) — a title connected with pagan fertility goddesses such as Astarte, Diana, and Athena. This worship was not harmless ritual. It was intertwined with gross immorality.
God’s judgment was not arbitrary. It was a response to covenant violation and spiritual corruption.
So, when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow, they are not merely resisting political authority — they are rejecting the very idolatry that had previously brought national judgment.
The Accusation
Certain Chaldeans — the elite magian class of Babylon — accuse the Jews. Their resentment is fueled not only by religious difference but by jealousy. These Jewish young men occupy high governmental positions.
Nebuchadnezzar confronts them personally:
“Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”
This is the language of pride. It is the voice of human sovereignty challenging divine authority.
History repeatedly produces leaders who believe themselves untouchable. Yet Scripture consistently reminds us: “The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:17).
The Faith of the Three
Their answer is one of the most powerful declarations of faith in Scripture:
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… But if not… we will not serve thy gods.”
Notice the balance:
• Confidence in God’s power.
• Submission to God’s will.
• Refusal to compromise.
They do not presume deliverance.
They do not negotiate obedience.
They remain faithful regardless of outcome.
The Furnace — A Prophetic Picture
The furnace is heated seven times hotter — an image of intensified wrath.
Prophetically, this event previews Israel’s future tribulation. In Matthew 24, the Lord Jesus speaks of a coming “great tribulation” unparalleled in history. He references “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet.”
Just as Nebuchadnezzar’s image demanded worship, so will the coming world ruler (described in Revelation 13) enforce global allegiance.
But just as three were preserved in the fire, a remnant of Israel will be divinely protected.
Revelation 12 describes Israel (symbolized as a woman) fleeing into the wilderness, nourished and preserved for three and a half years. The dragon’s attempt to destroy her fails. God intervenes.
The furnace becomes a prophetic template:
• Persecution
• Divine preservation
• Visible vindication
The Fourth Man in the Fire
Nebuchadnezzar sees four men walking loose in the flames.
“The form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
The pre-incarnate Christ identifies Himself with His faithful servants in their trial.
The fire that kills the soldiers does not harm the bound believers.
They enter bound.
They walk free.
The only thing burned is their bondage.
This is not merely miracle — it is theology in narrative form.
Daniel 3:26 – 4:25 — The Humbling of a King
Nebuchadnezzar approaches the furnace and calls them out:
“Ye servants of the most high God…”
This title is significant. He does not yet fully understand covenant revelation, but he acknowledges supremacy.
They emerge untouched:
• No burns.
• No scorched garments.
• No smell of smoke.
The miracle is absolute.
Nebuchadnezzar responds with a decree honoring their God. Yet his reaction still reveals instability — he swings from forced idolatry to forced reverence. Human authority without spiritual transformation remains volatile.
The Most High vs. Jehovah
It is worth noting the progression of divine titles.
In Genesis 14, God is called “the Most High” (El Elyon) — a title emphasizing universal sovereignty.
In Exodus 6:3, God reveals Himself to Israel as Jehovah (YHWH), the covenant name.
Nebuchadnezzar recognizes God’s supremacy but does not yet grasp covenant intimacy. He acknowledges power — not relationship.
Another Dream — The Tree
In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar dreams again.
He sees a massive tree:
• Reaching to heaven.
• Visible to the whole earth.
• Providing shelter and sustenance.
The tree represents his kingdom — expansive, prosperous, dominant.
But a “watcher” from heaven decrees:
Cut it down.
Leave the stump bound with iron and brass.
The imagery echoes the metallic succession of Daniel 2. Empires will continue, but this ruler will be humbled.
The Judgment: Seven Times
Daniel interprets:
The king will be driven from men.
He will dwell like an animal.
Seven times (likely years) will pass over him.
Why?
“Till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.”
This is the theological center of Daniel.
Empires rise — by God.
Rulers fall — by God.
Authority is delegated — never autonomous.
Nebuchadnezzar’s insanity will not be political accident; it will be divine discipline.
Sovereignty Over History
Daniel presents a worldview the modern mind resists:
History is not random.
Power is not self-generated.
Global systems move within divine permission.
From Babylon to Medo-Persia, from Greece to Rome, from ancient empires to future confederations — the Most High governs the timeline.
The coming world ruler described prophetically will not arise outside God’s knowledge. Even global consolidation — political, economic, religious — unfolds within sovereign design.
God is never late.
God is never surprised.
God is never overruled.
The Lesson
Nebuchadnezzar will be reduced to beast-like existence until he learns humility.
The message is clear:
Pride precedes humiliation.
Sovereignty belongs to God.
Deliverance belongs to God.
Kingdoms belong to God.
And whether in a furnace or a palace, the Most High rules.
The Humbling and Restoration of Nebuchadnezzar
Text: Daniel 4:26 – 5:4
We now continue examining the remarkable dream given to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This dream concerned a great tree—immense in size, visible to the ends of the earth. Its branches provided shelter for beasts, its leaves gave covering, and its fruit sustained both animals and man (Daniel 4:10–12). It symbolized Nebuchadnezzar himself and the vast kingdom over which he ruled.
Once again, God appointed His servant Daniel to interpret the dream.
Daniel began by declaring:
“This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High…” (Daniel 4:24)
Notice the title used here—“the most High.” This designation is used frequently in Daniel because the book largely deals with Gentile kingdoms. Israel knew God by His covenant name, Jehovah—the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But to the Gentile world, He is revealed as the Most High God, the One who rules over all nations, whether they acknowledge Him or not.
This truth is central to the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
God’s Sovereignty Over Kings
Daniel revealed that Nebuchadnezzar would be removed from his throne and driven from human society:
“They shall drive thee from men… and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” (Daniel 4:25)
These “seven times” refer to seven years. For seven years, the greatest king on earth would live like a wild animal. He would eat grass like an ox, live exposed to the elements, and lose his sanity.
Why?
To teach him—and all humanity—a vital truth:
God alone rules over the kingdoms of men.
This principle is reinforced in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul the Apostle wrote:
“There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)
This means no ruler rises to power apart from God’s sovereign permission. Even rulers who oppose God ultimately serve His purposes.
History confirms this repeatedly. Kingdoms rise and fall, but God remains in control.
The Stump: A Promise of Restoration
Daniel also explained that the tree’s stump would remain:
“Thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.” (Daniel 4:26)
This was a promise of restoration. Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom would not be permanently taken away. Instead, his authority would be preserved until he learned humility.
The bands of iron and brass around the stump symbolized restraint and preservation. His kingdom would continue, but he himself would be humbled.
This imagery also reflects a broader historical truth. Though Babylon would eventually fall, its influence would continue through successive empires—the Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman empires. These Gentile powers would shape world history and play key roles in God’s prophetic program.
Even today, the regions of ancient Medo-Persian remain central to world events.
Daniel’s Call to Repentance
Daniel did not merely interpret the dream—he urged the king to repent:
“Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor…” (Daniel 4:27)
This shows God’s mercy. Judgment was not immediate. Nebuchadnezzar was given opportunity to humble himself voluntarily.
But pride is difficult for fallen man to surrender.
For twelve months, nothing happened. Life continued as usual.
Then one day, walking upon the palace roof and gazing over his magnificent capital, Nebuchadnezzar declared:
“Is not this great Babylon, that I have built… by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30)
His words revealed the condition of his heart—self-exaltation. He gave no glory to God.
God’s Judgment Falls
Immediately, God spoke from heaven:
“O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.” (Daniel 4:31)
At that very moment, the judgment was fulfilled.
Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity and was driven from men. For seven years he lived like an animal—his hair grew long and matted, and his nails became like claws.
The greatest king on earth became lower than the lowest servant.
This dramatic humbling demonstrates God’s absolute authority over human pride.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Restoration and Confession
After seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes toward heaven:
“Mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High…” (Daniel 4:34)
He acknowledged God’s eternal sovereignty:
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion… and none can stay his hand.” (Daniel 4:34–35)
His sanity was restored. His kingdom was restored. His authority was restored.
But most importantly, his perspective was transformed.
He concluded:
“Those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” (Daniel 4:37)
Nebuchadnezzar had learned the lesson God intended.
He began as a proud pagan ruler. He ended as a man who acknowledged the God of heaven.
Transition to the Next Generation
Time passes. Nebuchadnezzar dies. His dynasty continues through his descendants.
As foretold by the prophet Jeremiah, Babylon would remain powerful through his son and grandson (Jeremiah 27:6–7).
Now we move to the reign of his grandson, Belshazzar.
Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar did not learn from the past.
He would repeat the same fatal mistake—pride and disregard for the Most High God.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
Part 2 of 12
Daniel 2:31–39 — The Image of the Gentile Empires
Daniel now recounts the dream.
The Great Image
Nebuchadnezzar saw a massive, dazzling, terrifying image — the likeness of a man.
Its composition:
• Head of gold
• Chest and arms of silver
• Belly and thighs of brass
• Legs of iron
• Feet of iron mixed with clay
Even the metals preach.
Gold is heaviest and most precious.
Each succeeding metal decreases in value and density.
The image is top-heavy.
That is exactly how Ge... morePart 2 of 12
Daniel 2:31–39 — The Image of the Gentile Empires
Daniel now recounts the dream.
The Great Image
Nebuchadnezzar saw a massive, dazzling, terrifying image — the likeness of a man.
Its composition:
• Head of gold
• Chest and arms of silver
• Belly and thighs of brass
• Legs of iron
• Feet of iron mixed with clay
Even the metals preach.
Gold is heaviest and most precious.
Each succeeding metal decreases in value and density.
The image is top-heavy.
That is exactly how Gentile political power would unfold — increasingly broad, increasingly divided, increasingly unstable.
The Stone Without Hands
Then something dramatic occurs:
“A stone was cut out without hands…”
Not formed by human effort.
This Stone strikes the image at its feet — the weakest point — and shatters it completely.
Throughout Scripture, the Stone represents Jesus Christ:
• The smitten Rock in Exodus
• The Chief Cornerstone
• The rejected Stone
• The Head of the corner
This will be the Second Coming.
Christ does not reform the kingdoms of men.
He destroys them.
The entire statue — gold, silver, brass, iron — becomes like chaff blown away.
Then the Stone becomes a great mountain and fills the whole earth.
That is the Kingdom of God.
Identifying the Empires
Daniel interprets plainly:
“Thou art this head of gold.”
Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar is the first great Gentile world empire.
After Babylon:
1. Medo-Persia — silver
2. Greece — brass
3. Rome — iron
4. A divided final form — iron mixed with clay
History confirms the sequence precisely.
What is remarkable is that this prophecy was given before Medo-Persia rose, before Alexander the Great, before Rome.
God revealed the timeline centuries in advance.
The Decline of Political Unity
Daniel says the next kingdom would be “inferior.”
Not militarily — but politically.
Babylon was absolute monarchy.
Medo-Persia was dual authority.
Greece fragmented after Alexander.
Rome eventually divided.
Each empire became more complex, more distributed, more unstable.
The metals descend in value.
Power broadens — unity weakens.
This progression culminates in the final mixed kingdom symbolized by iron and clay — strong yet brittle.
The Westward Movement
From Babylon westward, civilization shifted progressively:
• Babylon
• Persia
• Greece
• Rome
The major thrust of biblical and church history moved west.
In Acts 16, when Paul sought to turn eastward, the Holy Spirit forbade him and gave the Macedonian vision.
Christianity crossed into Europe.
Western civilization was profoundly shaped by the gospel.
This was not accidental geography.
It was divine design.
God’s Foreknowledge
Acts 2:23 reminds us:
Christ was delivered by “the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.”
Nothing in history surprises God.
The same God who revealed the empires to Daniel had already foreordained the cross.
The same God governs present-day nations.
He removes kings.
He sets up kings.
And when the appointed time comes, the Stone will strike.
Daniel 2:40–49 — The Fourth Kingdom and the Times of the Gentiles
As we continue in Daniel 2, I do not expect everyone to agree on every point. But I do encourage this: search the Scriptures. That is our responsibility (John 5:39; 2 Timothy 2:15). Let the text speak.
We have already seen the progression of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream:
• Head of gold — Babylon
• Chest and arms of silver — Medo-Persia
• Belly and thighs of brass — Greece
• Legs of iron — Rome
• Feet and toes of iron mixed with clay — a divided, final phase
There is a downward progression in political unity, yet an upward progression in military strength.
The Fourth Kingdom — Iron
Daniel 2:40 describes the fourth kingdom as “strong as iron.” Historically, this clearly aligns with the Roman Empire — the most formidable military machine of the ancient world. Rome crushed opposition with efficiency and authority. The iron legions subdued territories geographically, politically, and economically.
Rome was unlike Babylon’s centralized monarchy. It was a republic with a senate. Authority was distributed. Politically, the unity weakened compared to Babylon’s absolute dictatorship — yet militarily, Rome surpassed all prior empires.
Political structure weakens as you descend the image. Military strength increases.
The Feet and Toes — Iron Mixed with Clay
Daniel 2:41–43 introduces something new: iron mixed with clay.
This mixture does not bond. Clay and iron do not adhere. The result is fragile unity.
The text says:
“They shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another.”
This speaks of diversity without cohesion — strength mixed with instability.
Many see this as the final phase of the Roman system — a revived or revised form. The geography corresponds largely to the territory of ancient Rome. After World War II, European consolidation began, eventually forming what we now know as the European Union.
It is a coalition. It is structured. Yet it is divided.
Partly strong. Partly brittle.
The statue shows a final ten-toed phase — a confederated structure. Out of that final arrangement, Scripture indicates a ruler will arise — the one commonly called the Antichrist (cf. Daniel 7; Revelation 13).
“In the Days of These Kings…”
Daniel 2:44 shifts from human empires to divine intervention.
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed…”
Notice the timing: during the final phase — not after centuries, but in the days of those kings.
The stone cut without hands strikes the image at the feet — the final stage — and the entire statue collapses.
Gold, silver, brass, iron — all reduced to dust.
The stone represents the Messiah — the Lord Jesus Christ — whose kingdom replaces all human rule.
Unlike every prior empire, this kingdom:
• Will not be inherited by another people
• Will not weaken over time
• Will not collapse
• Will stand forever
The Times of the Gentiles
Now turn to Luke 21.
Jesus declared:
“Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24)
This period began with Nebuchadnezzar in 606 B.C., when Babylon first conquered Jerusalem. From that moment forward, Israel has been under Gentile dominance:
• Babylon
• Medo-Persia
• Greece
• Rome
• Islamic control
• Ottoman rule
• British mandate
Even in modern statehood (1948 onward), Jerusalem remains politically contested and globally pressured.
The “times of the Gentiles” refers to Gentile political control over Jerusalem. That period ends at Christ’s Second Coming when He establishes His Kingdom.
The Fullness of the Gentiles
But Paul introduces another term in Romans 11:25:
“Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.”
This is distinct from “the times of the Gentiles.”
The times of the Gentiles = political domination.
The fullness of the Gentiles = the completion of the Body of Christ.
This was a mystery revealed through Paul — not made known in previous ages (Ephesians 3).
According to Acts 15:14–16:
1. God is presently calling out from the Gentiles a people for His name.
2. After this, He will return.
3. Then He will restore Israel’s kingdom promises.
The present age is not the kingdom. It is the calling out of the Body of Christ.
When that Body is complete, God resumes His prophetic dealings with Israel, leading into Daniel’s seventieth week.
Daniel 2:44–49 — The Stone and the Everlasting Kingdom
Daniel now emphasizes the climax.
“In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom…”
The title “God of heaven” is significant in Daniel. Even Nebuchadnezzar eventually acknowledges Him as the Most High.
This coming kingdom differs from every Gentile empire:
• It does not inherit prior systems.
• It destroys them.
• It endures forever.
Revelation clarifies that this kingdom includes a thousand-year reign (Revelation 20), yet its authority extends into eternity.
The Final Dissolution of the Present Order
2 Peter 3 describes the ultimate culmination:
The heavens pass away.
The elements melt with fervent heat.
[Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved] Seeing then -- that all the things of earth and of man that need to be removed will be burned up, leaving only those things which need not be burned up 2Peter 3:11
After the millennial reign, after Satan’s final rebellion, after the Great White Throne judgment — God creates a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).
Nothing defiled enters eternity.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Response
When Daniel reveals the dream and interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar falls before him and acknowledges:
“Of a truth your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets.”
Even a pagan king recognizes divine revelation.
Daniel, still very young, is elevated to high authority. His three companions are also promoted. God places faithful servants strategically within Gentile power structures.
The Image of Daniel 3 — The Nature of Pagan Power
Chapter 3 reveals the spiritual character of these empires.
Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden image — approximately ninety feet tall — and commands universal worship at the sound of music.
The issue is not merely idolatry — it is enforced worship.
Music, pageantry, political unity — all harnessed to compel allegiance.
This pattern repeats throughout history and culminates in Revelation 13, where global worship is demanded under threat of death.
Idolatry historically was intertwined with moral corruption. The prophets repeatedly condemned Israel for adopting pagan practices (Ezekiel 16; Numbers 33).
God’s severe judgments in the Old Testament were not arbitrary — they addressed cultures consumed by spiritual and sexual degradation.
History moves in cycles. What ancient civilizations practiced openly, modern societies often promote technologically.
The issue is not novelty — it is rebellion.
The Big Picture
Daniel 2 gives the panorama of Gentile world rule:
Babylon
Medo-Persia
Greece
Rome
Final confederation
Antichrist
Second Coming
Kingdom
Final Judgment
New Creation
The dream is certain.
The interpretation is sure.
History is not random.
Empires rise and fall under divine sovereignty.
God reveals secrets when He chooses.
And the Stone is coming.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
IS THIS A PRELUDE TO THE END TIMES? - SCRIPTURAL ANALYSIS
Many believers who hold to a futurist / dispensational reading of prophecy naturally ask whether current tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran could be setting the stage for the events described in passages like:
• Daniel 7 (ten kings, little horn)
• Daniel 9:27 (covenant confirmed for one week)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (Rapture)
• Revelation 13 & 17 (beast and ten kings)
Let’s walk through this carefully and biblically.
The... moreIS THIS A PRELUDE TO THE END TIMES? - SCRIPTURAL ANALYSIS
Many believers who hold to a futurist / dispensational reading of prophecy naturally ask whether current tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran could be setting the stage for the events described in passages like:
• Daniel 7 (ten kings, little horn)
• Daniel 9:27 (covenant confirmed for one week)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (Rapture)
• Revelation 13 & 17 (beast and ten kings)
Let’s walk through this carefully and biblically.
The Ten-Nation Confederation
In Daniel 7, the prophet sees ten horns arising from the fourth beast. Later:
“The ten horns are ten kings… and another shall rise after them… and he shall subdue three kings.” (Daniel 7:24)
In Revelation 17:12–13, the ten kings:
“receive power… and give their power and strength unto the beast.”
Scripture does not name the nations. It describes a future political coalition — likely centered in the territory of the old Roman Empire (based on Daniel 2 & 7’s fourth kingdom).
Many interpreters suggest:
• A revived Roman sphere (often associated with Europe or a Mediterranean alliance)
• A geopolitical bloc that does not yet fully exist in its prophetic form
Nothing in Scripture identifies modern Iran, the U.S., or Israel specifically as members of the ten.
Where Does Iran Fit?
Modern Iran corresponds geographically to ancient Persia.
Persia is specifically mentioned in:
• Book of Ezekiel 38–39
• Book of Daniel 10
• Book of Esther
In Ezekiel 38, Persia is listed among nations in the Gog/Magog coalition against Israel. But scholars disagree on the timing of Ezekiel 38–39:
• Before the Tribulation?
• Early in the Tribulation?
• Midpoint?
• End of the Tribulation?
There is no explicit connection in Scripture between Persia (Iran) and the ten-king confederation of Daniel 7 / Revelation 17.
So biblically speaking:
We cannot say Iran must be one of the ten.
Will Current War Be the Prelude?
Here’s the key principle:
Jesus said in Matthew 24:6:
“You shall hear of wars and rumours of wars… but the end is not yet.”
Throughout history:
• World War I looked like the end.
• World War II looked like the end.
• The Cold War looked like the end.
• The Six-Day War looked like the end.
Every generation has seen conflicts that seemed prophetic.
Geopolitical tension does not automatically equal prophetic fulfillment.
Rapture
Describing a classic pre-tribulation framework:
1. Rapture (1 Thess 4)
2. Rise of ten kings
3. Little horn (Antichrist) subdues three
4. Covenant confirmed with Israel (Daniel 9:27)
5. Seven-year Tribulation
Under that view:
The Church would not be here to identify the ten kings forming.
We would not see the Antichrist revealed (2 Thess 2 says he is revealed after the restrainer is removed).
So even if today’s events are setting the stage,
they are not the actual fulfillment.
Who Would Come to Iran’s Aid?
That’s speculative.
Modern alliances include:
• Russia
• China
• Regional proxies
But prophecy does not name Russia or China in connection with the ten kings explicitly. Interpreters often try to correlate Gog with Russia, but the Hebrew terms are debated.
Scripture gives structure — not a news headline map.
(Balanced View)
Here’s the careful position:
• Global instability creates conditions for centralized leadership.
• Increasing hostility toward Israel aligns with prophetic patterns.
• Middle East volatility makes covenant language (Daniel 9:27) more imaginable.
But:
No current conflict can be definitively labeled “the prelude to Antichrist.”
The ten-king alliance is future and not clearly identifiable today.
Iran’s role in prophecy is not directly tied to the ten kings passage.
We should avoid forcing headlines into prophecy.
What We Can Say With Confidence
Scripture guarantees:
• A coming global confederation
• A ruler who subdues three
• A covenant with Israel for seven years
• A midpoint betrayal
• The visible Second Coming of Christ
But Scripture does not give us enough detail to map today’s alliances directly onto that framework with certainty.
✠SGT Dinah Scivoletti✠
✠Joan of Arc Priory✠
✠✠Act and God will Act (Actus et Deus Act)✠✠
