Reflections on Daniel and Revelation

2003-06-05

The following are informal writings and personal reflections on various parts of the books of Daniel and Revelation.

Reflection on Daniel 4 and 5

Daniel 4 is a general letter written by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to the people of his empire to tell of his conversion testimony. He tells of his vision that portrays himself as a tree of great splendor that was cut down. He summons Daniel in to interpret the dream for him. His ‘cutting down’ is because of his great pride, but it is not permanent. Surely as Daniel (or Belteshazzar) testified, this came to pass in 12 months, while Nebuchadnezzar was admiring his own accomplishments, he was driven out to be with the beasts of the field, eating grass and acting like an animal in insanity. This lasted for seven times, or years, just as predicted, which was the time that he brought honor to God. All of this happened for God’s glory, for when he returned to power, he wrote this letter to the people of his empire, and they all heard of the God of Belteshazzar, the Most High.

This is what our testimonies, conversions and troubles do today: they are ultimately to bring us to God and also to bring others to God. The result of both is to bring glory to God. In our own errors, trials, and hurts, when God restores us, it is our duty to glorify Him in the midst of other people.

In Daniel 5, Belshazzar, after he became drunk with his family and the nobles, he decided to add some flare to his party by bringing out the Temple vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken. This was an abominable insult before God. Fingers of a hand then appeared and then wrote on the wall to warn him of his ways, and after fretting for a time, it was the queen, probably his mother, that came in and told about Daniel who could solve riddles and such. So he brought in Daniel, and he testified what the words written on the wall meant. The words said ‘mene, mene, tekel, upharsin,’ which cryptically describes that his time is up as ruler of the kingdom. Belshazzar had thrown the defeat of Israel in God’s face. Even though he had known of God’s fame from prior years when He had humbled Nebuchadnezzar, the king turned from God and did as he pleased. Therefore, the Medes and the Persians came in took over the following day.

We can see from this passage that God does not tolerate sin. But he hates even more blatant sin that is an assault on Him, His name, His character, and His people. There is great arrogance in this sin that was so abominable that God was swift to judge. We need to keep watch in our own lives for such atrocities. What in our lives offends God? Just like Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, these things happen in our own times, and we need to be careful.

Reflection on Daniel 7 and 8

Daniel 7 is the vision of the four beasts and their ruin by the court of the Ancient of Days. Babylon is pictured as a lion with wings that were plucked, Medo-Persia is pictured as a bear with the 3 ribs, Greece is pictured as leopard with 4 wings and 4 horns, and Rome is pictured as a terrifying beast with iron teeth and bronze claws that has ten horns (kings), and another horn that appeared (little horn) blasphemed God and plucked up 3 of the other horns. The Ancient of Days gave one “like the son of man” dominion, glory and a kingdom that all people would serve Him in an eternal kingdom.

God would conquer these four kingdoms of Gentiles. This is a promise to His people that these Gentiles would not rule forever, but there is a God that has remembered them, and is still sovereign. This is the major theme of the book at large, that God is sovereign and will keep His promises. As a Gentile who believes in Jesus, I can say that the principle is valid for me: God keeps His promises, and even during bleak times, He will prevail and no one can interfere with His will.

In Daniel 8, there is a vision of a ram with two unequally sized horns, which are the kingdoms of the Medes and the Persians that have power over the known world at that time. Then a shaggy goat, with great anger and one notable horn in the middle of his head rose up and ran against the ram with great anger and trampled it. This goat is Greece, with the king being Alexander the Great. He died a young man without an heir, and therefore, his four generals divided the empire up, i.e. the four horns. One of the horns came up from one of the first four, i.e. Antiochus IV Epiphanies of the Seleucids. He came to power and with great rage against the people, stopped the sacrifices in the Temple of the Jews. This extended for a period of 2300 evening-mornings. This was to happen in the future, and the king was to be broken without means. The thought of this made Daniel sick for days.

What we can note from this passage is that times do not get better, but worse, until the time when God will come down to rule. But we can be certain that God will keep His promises: evil things might be permitted to happen, but God will be victorious over any Antiochus in our day: we must hold fast to our only hope, that is, the living God.

Reflection on Daniel 9

Daniel 9 opens with Daniel’s discovery of the prophecy Jeremiah recorded of the seventy-year captivity. After he discovered this, Daniel put on sackcloth and prayed to God very humbly, confessing to the Lord his own sins and also the sins of the whole of Israel. Daniel is such a man that we see him as one who continually seeks the Lord. He appealed to God on the basis of His mercy, not for any reason of the merit of Israel or himself (verse 19). Daniel then called out to God for forgiveness that the people can return to their land. Gabriel the angel is then sent in response to this prayer, and he explained how Israel would be restored to the land on a permanent basis (though they will return in part after the 70 years) after a period of seventy weeks (seven year periods). This will remove all sin to bring in everlasting righteousness (verse 24). After 69 weeks there is a pause when Messiah the Prince is cut off, when war and desolations follow. Then a future king will cut a covenant with Israel for one week, but will cancel all sacrifice in the middle of the 70th week, like Antiochus. He will make desolations, but he also will be judged in his own time.

There are two significant things I would like to bring up. The prayer shows great remorse for his sins and for the sins of his people. The humility of the prayer is a good model for our own personal lives. We should be broken when there is sin in our lives in such the same way. Secondly, this is an amazing prophecy. Many scholars say that Daniel was written in retrospect and therefore is not true prophecy. Daniel 9:26 proves that Daniel’s prophecies are true prophecy. The liberal, the conservative, and the like cannot deny this verse. After the 483 years, it is prophesied that the Messiah would be killed, which was fulfilled right on time. Because of documents such as the Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls that precede Christ by a few hundred years, it is proven prophecy. Everyone must be silenced in this matter, regardless if one believes in a sixth or second century B.C. date for Daniel.

Reflection on Daniel 10-12

In Daniel 10, Daniel is deeply disturbed, and comes into confrontation with a person of radiant appearance. Daniel is deathly afraid, and he had to be given strength to stand up. This person of bright appearance strengthens him, and then proceeds to tell him not to be afraid, and that he is a man who is ‘greatly beloved.’ This is to say very much, coming from a heavenly being. After he will explain the times of the Gentiles, and he will then return to fight against the Prince of Persia.

In chapter 11 is a very detailed description of prophecy concerning Persia and Greece, and Rome. Verses 1-2 concerns Persia, verses 2-35 concerns Greece, and verses 35-45 have to do with Rome. The prophecies concerning Rome have still not happened. These are all very exact prophecies.

Chapter 12 sums up the coming of the prince Michael. He comes to set victory for the people Israel, and there is a resurrection of the dead. It is interesting to see that much of these things are to be sealed up until the end (v. 4, 9). The Abomination of Desolation set up by the latter king to the end time is a period for 1290 days, and there is an additional 45 days, according to verse 12. Also Daniel is said to have an inheritance at the end of the age.

God’s promises are for certain, and His pronouncements are right on time and with great precision. Though the Gentile kings believe that they are in control, they are truly fulfilling God’s will. Patience is called for while these things take place. The New Testament will expand on many of the things in Daniel 12 that were mentioned, such as the inheritance and the resurrection.

Introduction to Revelation

Revelation is of Johannine authorship, written in A.D. 97. This is generally agreed by early church fathers. It has been interpreted in various ways in the past, such as in the preterist, allegorical, and future approachs. There is an urgent call for repentance in Revelation, a call to trust in Jesus, and a call for the saints to continue in godly living.

Reflection on Revelation 1

This serves as an introduction to the rest of the book. John opens up by saying that one is blessed if they read the words of this book, for the times of the end are near. He is to write down what he hears and send it to the seven churches of Asia Minor. Jesus approaches John, and he falls down like a dead man. Jesus says to write down things related to the past, present, and future in verse 19.

The splendor of the Lord is brilliant, and we often forget that He is holy, and we are unworthy to stand before Him... we should live in fear before the Lord. The seriousness of what is said in this book is something we ought to keep into perspective. Ultimately, God is in control, and we can be comforted in this.

The Church of Smyrna

Smyrna background:

Descriptions of Jesus:

  1. The first and the last
    1. This represents Deity (cf. Isaiah 44:6)
    2. This shows His absolute control
    3. This shows that He is creator, and also has dominion over all created things, and is the Judge at the time of the end.
  2. He was dead, but has come to life
    1. This very fact is the reason why He is worthy to open the seven seals of judgment (Revelation 5:9)
    2. This is also to state the fact that He is their hope of the resurrection, especially in these troubling times

Commendation:

They are commended for their spiritual wealth even under dreadful living circumstances.

They obviously had a lot of persecution from people that were Jewish apostates. The “synagogue of Satan” is active in persecuting the church in Smyrna, yet the church there stands strong, for Jesus offers no condemnation to this church. Philadelphia is the only other church listed that Jesus offers no condemnation.

Reflection on Revelation 4-5

These two chapters take place in the throne room of heaven, where John gets a view of God’s majesty and power. Twenty-four elders and 4 living creatures similar to those of Isaiah 6 worship Him without ceasing. When a book is presented with writing on the front and back, there are seven seals that need to be opened by someone who is worthy. John weeps when no one is found to open the scroll to bring about the final judgments on the earth, but he is told to be of good cheer, since Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is worthy to do so. He is the only one worthy to judge the earth in righteousness. And the host of heaven worships Him for this.

This is why we should worship Jesus, simply because He is worthy of praise, as He is the creator of the world and the one who redeemed us.

Reflection on Revelation 6 and 7

Chapter 6 is about the first six seals. The first four are the four horsemen. The white horse is one of false peace, likely the Antichrist Beast. The second one is the red horse, which brings war on the earth. The third is the black horse, which brought famine. The fourth one is pale, which brings death to one fourth of the people. The fifth seal begins with the prayer of the martyrs. The sixth seal brings terror to the earth, with a change in appearance of the heavenly bodies and people will try to hide from God.

Chapter 7 is a parenthetical passage, saying that the harm on the earth will not happen until the 144,000 Jewish witnesses are sealed from harm. There is also a great many of others from all peoples that have been saved. God gets all of the glory. Salvation belongs to Him. Glory is to God forever and ever! God’s sovereignty and goodness allows these things to happen, that people are saved from death unto life, the same God that saved us.

Reflection on Revelation 8, 9, and 10.

Chapter 8 has to deal with the seventh seal, which are the seven trumpets. The first four trumpets are sounded during this time. An angel offers the prayers of the saints and these went up before God. Then the censer was thrown to the earth. The angels then appeared to sound the trumpets. The first trumpet was followed by hail mixed with fire and blood, and one third of the plants were burned. The second one brought down something like a huge mountain to the earth and a third of the sea became blood, affecting one third of the life there, along with the ships. The third trumpet was followed by a great star from heaven called Wormwood, and a third of the waters became wormwood, i.e. bitter. The fourth trumpet has to do with a third of the sun, moon, and stars, affecting the light given to the earth.

Just like in antiquity, we see a God who is all-powerful, that can control everything. This is an assault on the pagan deities that were connected with these things. In these times, God is controlling what humanistic views of humankind cannot do. These trials are to force the people of the earth to look toward God, their only source of hope. This is what we need to do in our hard times.

Chapter 9 has to do with the fifth and the sixth trumpets. The former is the plague of empowered locusts from the abyss. They sting and affect people for five months, and the plague is so awful that people would rather die, but they do not. The latter plague has to do with four angels released from the Euphrates that muster up a group of warriors numbering 200 million horsemen that do harm. But the people do not repent of their wickedness, but continue in sin.

Chapter 10 has to do with the angel with the little book. It has to do with the time when God will say “enough,” and the mystery of God will be finished. John is told to eat the book of these things, which is tastes good, but is sour in the belly. This is because it is good news, but terrible things have to come to pass in order for this to happen. The return of Jesus Christ is just this, a splendorous appearance for those who know Him, but a terrible reality of judgment for those who do not.

Reflection on Revelation 11-13

Chapter 11 speaks of the 2 witnesses that will prophesy on the earth. The people will hate them, but they will not be able to be stopped until their ministry is over and the beast from the bottomless pit kills them. Then they will come back to life after three and one half days, and be brought up into heaven. There will then be an earthquake, and 7000 people will be killed. But many will then give glory to God and turn from their sinful ways. The seventh trumpet is then sounded, and those in heaven gave glory to God, which was followed by an earthquake and a hailstorm.

Chapter 12 references the birth of Jesus, but then explains the devil’s activity since. A war broke out in heaven, and he lost, and was cast out. He has a short time, so his wrath is great. The believers have overcome his accusations before God because they did not love their lives, but died for their faith. The devil pursues God’s people, but they are protected.

Chapter 13 has to do with the beast that comes out of the sea. The devil gives him his power, and the beast was dead and came back to life. The whole earth is deceived as to follow him. A beast of the earth (false prophet) rises up to be one who does signs to cause others to worship the first beast. He causes an image to be set up, and then gives it life. He makes the peoples get some sort of mark as well. Some of those who did not worship the beast were killed by the image that came to life. The mark is connected to the number “six hundred threescore and six.”

There are terrifying times. Nonetheless, we can have comfort that God will put an end to these things. Verse 10 comes to comfort us, since these terrible people that kill will see their day. Nonetheless, we ought to watch ourselves that we might not deceive ourselves. Even if these beasts are not in power now, there are other forces at work that seek to take our attention off of God.

Reflection on Revelation 14-16

Revelation 14 opens with the 140,000 standing with Jesus on Mount Zion. They are the purest of men and follow Jesus everywhere. There is then an angel in heaven testifying of the judgment and of the gospel and another angel testifies of the falling of Babylon. A third testifies of the eternal torment of those who worship the beast. Those who die in the Lord are called blessed because of their perseverance. Then the Son of Man and the angels appear, for the harvest is ripe, and the unbelievers are put into the winepress of God, and the blood comes up to the horses’ bridles for an area of 200 miles (which is approximate length of the Holy Land from north to south).

Revelation 15 is the congregation of the believers who had overcome the mark of the beast and did not worship him. They sang the song of Moses, in victory and praise of God. Interestingly enough, this is followed by the preparation of the plagues that will come over the entire earth. Moses was also the one to bring plagues over the king of Egypt and his land.

Revelation 16 starts with the seven plagues from seven angels. They affect everything that the trumpets affected, but now they destroy in full rather than in part. There is a malignant sore placed on those with the mark of the beast, the salt and fresh waters became blood, the sun’s power was amplified to scorch humanity, then there was darkness on the kingdom (its almost like a supernova of sorts, with brightness then darkness, but this is mere speculation), and the Euphrates was dried up, so that the eastern kings can come. The unclean spirits from the false trinity then gather the kings of the whole world to the place, the mountain of Megiddo. The seventh bowl is then poured out, the cities were destroyed, and everything is laid desolate, with 100-pound hailstones, and everyone cursed God.

Reflection on Revelation 17-19

Revelation 17 and 18 discussed the revived Babylon, its relationship to the Roman Empire in the future, and its destruction. There seems to be a love-hate relationship with the Beast and Babylon. The kings have committed acts of immorality with her (Babylon), but also conspired to destroy her. This Babylon is a part of this empire, as it rests on the beast. The city Babylon, called a harlot, is also extremely wealthy, not knowing that she would ever be destroyed. She is destroyed all of a sudden by fire by the power of the beast. There is a religious component to it, but also has a commercial and political aspect as well. There is no relying on the Lord, but on false religion and great riches. Heaven rejoices over Babylon’s fall because of these things.

Revelation 19 is the hour of glory! There is a fourfold ‘Hallelujah’ when the harlot falls. The bride is also declared ready. At this point, the White Horse with Christ as the rider comes forth from heaven, and the armies of the earth are gathered to make war with Him. The war turns out to be (for lack of a better word) an embarrassment. There is no sound of blades clashing or guns being fired, or anything else. Before we know it, the beast and his sidekick, the false prophet, are thrown into the lake of fire. The birds gather to eat the flesh of the armies, who were killed with a sword that came from the mouth of Jesus: His Word, His command.

Reflection on Revelation 20-22

Chapter 20 deals with the Millennium, where Christ reigns with the saints while the devil is locked away in the abyss. After 1000 years, Satan is set free and gathers the nations, referred to as Gog and Magog, but fire rains down on them, and they are defeated. The devil is then cast into the lake of fire where the beast and false prophet are. Before the Millennial reign, the saints are resurrected. The latter resurrection, after this Millennial reign, is for the unsaved, and they are cast into the lake of fire. This is urgency. This being a future reality, we must serve roles as evangelists while we are here, remembering the words of Ezekiel in chapters 3 and 33: if we do not warn them of judgment (in this case, share the gospel), we will be held accountable.

Chapter 21 shows us what the New Jerusalem will look like. It comes down from heaven, where there is no pain, death, or sorrow; where the Father and Jesus are its Temple, and no enemy treads inside. Luxury clothes the city like beautiful, precious stones. Nothing evil or unclean dwells inside, and the one thing that challenges me is that the “fearful” will not dwell inside. Those other things we can check off as being okay, but do we truly serve the Lord? Do we really act like we believe in Him? This is a real challenge to me. Lord God, I pray that I am not like the cowardly and the unbelieving, as I have acted like in the past. Give me the boldness and the strength to do what is right!

Chapter 22 is a continuation of the description of the New Jerusalem, including the Tree of Life that heals the nations. Jesus tells us that He is coming quickly. We are not to seal the prophecy of this book up, but to share it with others (unlike with Daniel’s prophecy in 12:9). There is also a warning not to delete from or add to this book. I think that the church is guilty of this sometimes, especially because we will not know what some of these things mean until they actually come to pass. But God is faithful to be with us, and that we are not to be designed for wrath. God be praised!