Bible Pathway - Sept. 17, 2009
Sept. 17, 2009
Read Daniel 7
Highlights In Today's Reading:
God reveals to Daniel what will happen in the future (7:1-14)! His first vision explained (7:15-28). His second vision explained (8:19-27). A loving Creator provides understanding (9:22-27).
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of a great image which represented the future world empires and their spectacular characteristics. These world empires would come in succession during the times of the Gentiles (2:1,31-45; Luke 21:24), beginning with Nebuchadnezzar and will end with the coming return of Christ. In Daniel's vision . . . the . . . winds of the heaven (political, social, and spiritual wickedness) strove upon the great sea (Dan. 7:2). And four great beasts came up from the sea (7:3), representing the same world empires in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2. They are seen in Daniel's vision as savage "beasts" motivated by vicious ambition, rising up out of the sea of humanity, and correspond to Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The sea and opposing winds represent competition and wars that exist among nations.
The first beast (Babylon) was like a lion, and had eagle's wings (Dan. 7:4) and represented Nebuchadnezzar's head of gold on the giant. The second beast, like to a bear . . . raised up itself on one side (7:5), represented Medo-Persia which would conquer Babylon. The one side refers to Persia's dominion over Media. The third beast, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl, represented the speed of conquest by Greece under Alexander the Great. The beast had also four heads (7:6). After his death, Alexander's kingdom was divided among his four generals.
The fourth beast was diverse from all the beasts . . . it had ten horns (ten kings) (7:7). Then Daniel stated: I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn . . . in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things (7:8). The ten horns (7:24) correspond to the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar's great (giant) image (2:31) and represent a confederation of ten world rulers (Rev. 13:1-5; 17:12). The little horn symbolizes the power of this satanically-inspired man, the Antichrist. Triumphantly, the Stone (Jesus Christ) destroyed the image of the Gentile nations (Dan. 2:34-35; 7:13-14).
The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thess. 1:7-8).
Thought for Today:
Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase (Ps. 85:12).
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of Man (Dan. 7:13-14). The truth of this vision was confirmed by our Lord as He spoke of His promised return. They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt. 24:30).
Word Studies:
7:25 wear out = to persecute with purpose of entire annihilation; 7:28 cogitations much troubled = bewildered thoughts; 8:7 choler = brutal rage; 8:24 wonderfully = astonishingly successful; 9:7 confusion of faces = look of shame; 9:25 wall = moat; 9:26 cut off = cut to death.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Sen. Charles Grassley (IA) and Rep. Gene Taylor (MS) • Country: Congo, Republic of the (2 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom, but government hostility has lessened • 41% Roman Catholic; 20% fetishism and belief in ancestral spirits; 17% Protestant; 9% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is quick to forgive (Ps. 32:5).
Optional Reading: Revelation 22
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30
