Daniel is set before us in the Scriptures as one whom the
Lord loved. Daniel was carried captive with Jehoiachim, king
of Judah, and many of the nobility of the land of Israel,
eleven years before the final captivity in the days of
Zedekiah, when the land was left desolate without an
inhabitant, and the seventy years of desolation began. Daniel
was fourteen years old when carried captive to Babylon, and
consequently lived to the extreme age of over one hundred
years. R2492:3
Young Jewish captives proving their qualifications were
given every opportunity to use their talents for the benefit of
the nation adopting them. Daniel became Prime Minister in
Babylon; and others of the Jewish captives attained to the
rank of presidents of different divisions of the Babylonian
empire. R5796:2
We may here learn a lesson of how God is able to make
even the disasters of life work out blessings for
those who are truly loyal to him even as Daniel and his
companions were blessed and prospered in the enemy's land,
and advanced to positions far higher than they ever would
have attained in their own land. R4873:1
What heroic examples of godly zeal and fortitude, and of
friendship cemented by the bonds of a common noble purpose. Four
young men devoted to God mutually agree to set their faces
like a flint against temptation, and to live righteously and
godly in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; and
truly they have shone as lights, not only in their own day, but
down even to the present time. R1708:6
History tells us that ancient Babylon was captured by
Cyrus the Great and his army after a siege of considerable
length, which was unsuccessful until his soldiers digged a
fresh channel for the river and turned aside its course. Thus
was the River Euphrates dried up; and the Medo-Persian army
entered the ancient city suddenly in the night, while the
princes of Babylon, corresponding to the notables of
Christendom, were holding high carnival. The strong
symbolic language used in respect to Mystic Babylon
corresponds so well to the prophetic language respecting
ancient Babylon that we are warranted in understanding that
city to have been a prototype of Mystic Babylon and her fall a
prefigure of Christendom's fall. SM410, SM411
The book of Daniel, as we have it in our common version
of the Bible, corresponds to that which was accepted by the
Jews, but attached to it were three stories-- "Bel and the
Dragon," "The Song of the Three Hebrew Children," and
"The Story of Susannah," which have nothing whatever to do
with Daniel, and which bear no marks of being his production
nor give any evidence of inspiration. The book is one against
which the Higher Critics have thrown and are still throwing
the weight of their influence--they claim it was not written
until long after the time of Daniel and was merely given his
name. Strangely enough these grounds of objection become
to us, who have a different view of the meaning of those
prophecies, one of the strongest evidences possible of the
inspiration of the writer. Certainly no prophet ever described
more particularly the great events of universal history,
certainly none ever marked more clearly and distinctly than
did Daniel the precise time of the first advent of Messiah.
The prophet Ezekiel, Daniel's contemporary associated in the
exile, twice referred to him in his prophecy, classing him with
Noah and Job. He mentions expressly Daniel's great wisdom.
R3630:1,2; PD89/103
In the third year -- Daniel was carried captive with
Jehoiachim, king of Judah, eighteen years before the final
captivity in the days of Zedekiah. R2492:3, R4873:1;
Q80:1, Q94:2; HG58:1, HG518:5
Eleven years before Zedekiah. R2492:3*; B52
Of Jehoiakim -- Often, by misinterpretation, applied to the
times of Antiochus Epiphanes. R3630:1
Came Nebuchadnezzar -- From this passage, we fix the
date of Nebuchadnezzar's reign from the Bible date of
Jehoiakim's reign. R1976:3
The king -- Illustrating the King of Glory. R4873:5
That he should bring -- Nothing gives us a higher opinion
of the kings of ancient times, their willingness to recognize
character and merit wherever it might be found, than does the
record furnished in the book of Daniel. R2501:1, R3638:6
Of the children of Israel -- With a two-fold object: to
associate with the empire the learning and skill of the world,
and to promote a friendly feeling between Babylon and the
countries over which it held sway. R2493:1
Children -- An illustration of Christians in this Gospel
age. R4873:5
In the king's palace -- Young Jewish captives were given
opportunity to use their talents for the benefit of Babylon.
R5796:2
To be fitted to constitute a board of wise men, counselors to
the king. R4873:1
Teach the learning -- Illustration of the school of Christ.
R4873:5
A three-year course of education in the sciences. R2493:1
The king's meat -- So that, being well nourished, they
might be in their best physical and mental condition.
R4873:2, R5796:2
They shared in the food prepared for the royal family.
R5796:2
Good food--better probably, than they had been used to
previously. R2493:5
Daniel -- "God is my judge." R2493:2, R3630:3
The names of the four young men (about 16 years of age)
imply a parentage that was reverential and loyal to God.
R3630:3
Daniel was 14 years old when carried captive to Babylon.
R2492:3
He had a noble, amiable, winsome character. R2493:2
Hananiah -- "God is gracious," "Jehovah is gracious."
R2493:2, R3630:3
Mishael -- "This is as God," "God-like." R2493:2,
R3630:3
Azariah -- "God is a helper," "Jehovah has helped."
R2493:2, R3630:3
These four were evidently of noble birth and religious
training. R4873:1, R2493:2
Chosen because of their brightness and general intelligence to
be specialty educated for governmental positions. R3630:4
Gave names -- Changing their names by no means
changed their hearts, no more than did their being transported
from the land of promise to Babylon. R3630:4
They were given these new names to break their identity with
their native homes and establish an identity with the kingdom
of Babylon. R2493:2
These new Babylonish names implied relationship or
servitude to the deities of Babylonia. R3630:4
But Daniel purposed -- Of the four, Daniel seems, from
the first, to have been leader, and his leading seems to have
been in the right direction. R2493:4
In his heart -- The faithful, like Daniel, will set
themselves to the attainment of their object at any cost. Their
faith tells them that their object is worthy of their effort.
R3631:4
All who receive the grace of God into good and honest hearts
will surely experience a cleansing work. R3631:6
The Lord places us frequently where we have opportunities of
choosing. It becomes a matter of character or principle with
us what we choose. There is no virtue in choosing the only
thing possible. R3631:3
Not defile himself -- Physically or mentally, by eating such
rich food; morally, by eating what had been offered to idols.
R3630:5
To eat the king's meat would imply to the people that the
young men were receiving blessings from the heathen gods.
R5796:4
Daniel's objection to the food was instigated wholly by
religious duty, because of varieties forbidden under the Law.
R2493:5
They would rather deny themselves than violate God's Law,
indicating a mental and moral discipline. R2493:6
It is a mistake to suppose that high living is specially
conducive to intellectuality--not to mention spirituality.
R4873:2
Clean spiritual provender is important to the Lord's flock.
Those who come to a knowledge of the truth must abstain
from all defiled spiritual food and from mingling with the
Babylonians at their table. R2494:4
The Bible regulates the Christian in respect to what he eats,
drinks, where he goes, what he does, what he reads, his
companionship and even his very thoughts. R5796:5
The abstemious course, self-denial, self-restraint, is all
important to the upbuilding of the character likeness of Christ.
R3631:2
Sobriety and self-denial mean the king's favor, bringing
satisfaction and restfulness of heart and mind, and peace with
God and our consciences. R3631:5
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and
spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Cor. 7:1)
R3631:6
To be cleansed from filthiness of the spirit--evil thoughts,
hatred, malice, strife, revenge, backbiting, evil speaking--is
most important. R3632:1, R3631:6
How careful all should be not to bring into the church errors
and false doctrines, misrepresentations of Scripture, to defile
or stumble or injure any of the Lord s little ones. R3631:5
We should be careful to have our bodies as clean, pure and
holy as possible. R3631:6
We must fight against our own appetites in all the affairs of
life. R3631:2
"If any man defile the temple of God, him will God destroy."
(1 Cor. 3:17) R3631:5
King's meat -- Daniel recognized that his health of mind
and body would be better if he abstained from these.
R3630:5
The Bible does not prohibit the use of flesh food. Our Lord
and the apostles ate meat. R5796:3
Nor with the wine -- Gluttony and the use of alcoholic
liquors stupefy the brain. R3631:1
The Scriptures do not forbid alcoholic liquors, but they
indicate a blessing upon those who abstain, as well as upon
eunuchs. R5796:4
A lesson in favor of total abstinence from intoxicants.
R1403:1
Daniel -- Specially favored of the Lord with visions and
revelations. R2493:2
Into favour -- Because of his meekness. gentleness and
general nobility of character. R5796:2, R4873:2, R2493:2
This favor meant the jealousy and enmity of his associates.
R3631:4
Whosoever will live godly in the present time shall suffer
persecution. R3631:4
Prince of the eunuchs -- The steward having charge of the
students. R3630:6
Endanger my head -- Not only cost him his position, but
his very life. R3630:6
To Melzar -- To the Melzar, the butler. R2493:6
Prove thy servants -- They were seeking to develop
characters in accord with the will of God for a better earthly
resurrection. R3631:2
Seeking a course that not only would have divine approval,
but also cause as little trouble, inconvenience and displeasure
to others as possible. R2493:6
As ours will be a higher reward, our trial of faith will be more
crucial. R3631:3
Give us pulse -- Very plain and inexpensive vegetable diet.
R2493:5, R4873:3, R5796:3
Vegetables, particularly peas and beans, which contain all the
elements necessary for proper nutrition. R5796:3, R3630:5
Nothing is gained by simply abstaining from Babylonian
portions and starving spiritually. Whoever abstains from the
defiled food must seek and use the simple and undefiled food
which the Lord provides. R2494:5
It is well nigh impossible to be strong in willpower in respect
to important things if lax and pliable in respect to the less
important. R2494:1
Christians are left to their own judgments as to what food
would best nourish them for the Lord's service. R5796:3,
R4873:6
Countenances appeared fairer -- There is a general
operation of divine law that whosoever seeks to live
conscientiously, cleanly, honestly, will have compensations in
his own heart and life. R5796:5
Melzar took away -- To the amusement of their associates,
who would consider them foolish for choosing simple fare
when they might have king's food. R3631:1
Children -- Youths. R4873:3
Knowledge and skill -- Not wholly miraculous under
natural laws, boys with enough character for self-denial for
righteousness' sake would also have enough character in all
their affairs and studies. R2493:6
Daniel had understanding -- The specially favored of the
favored four, his portion included visions and revelations.
R2493:2
At the end of the days -- After the three-year course, when
Daniel was seventeen. R2494:1
Picturing the end of this age. R4873:5
Bring them in -- Picturing the test of examination for
those in the school of Christ. R4873:5
Before the king -- Their exaltation in his realm paid them
for their self-denials and their loyalty to God and to principle.
R5796:4
Sobriety and self-denial mean not only disappointments,
trials, deprivations and oppositions, but they mean also the
King's favor. R3631:5
Though not a type, there is a certain correspondency between
this position and that occupied by those called to joint-heirship
with Jesus Christ. R2494:2
"Dare to be a Daniel" --the Daniel spirit is a possibility with
every person. R4873:5, R2494:4, R3631:4
Ten times better -- As a natural result of their courage and
strength of character. R2493:5
The result of devoting their lives in doing the divine will.
R4873:4, R5796:5
The four were advanced to positions far higher than they
would ever have attained in their own land. R4873:2
Corresponding to those called to joint-heirship in the
Kingdom with Christ. R2494:4
It paid the young Hebrews well for their self-denials and their
loyalty to God and to principle. R5796:5
Astrologers -- Enchanters. R4873:4
And Daniel -- Who lived to be over 100 years of age.
R2492:3; HG518:6
See comments on Dan. 1:1.
Our Daniel, our Leader, our Lord Jesus, our example.
R2494:4
King Cyrus -- Signifies "the sun"; corresponding to the
prophecy of Christ-- "The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
with healing in his beams." (Mal. 4:2) R2498:4
Illustration of Messiah, King of kings and Lord of lords, who,
with his faithful, will shortly overthrow mystic Babylon and
possess the world. R2498:4
The "seventy years desolation" ended with the first year of
Cyrus, BC 536. R2509:3
Dreamed dreams -- God gave the dream and sent its
interpretation through Daniel, the prophet. SM417:1
Portraying the Gentile rule of earth during the interregnum of
God's Kingdom. R5526:2
Simultaneous with Zedekiah's fall and the taking away of his
crown. R5526:2
A dream of much more interest to all Christians than it could
possibly have been to Nebuchadnezzar himself. CR41:6
Cut in pieces -- Put to death as imposters, letting on that
they had a connection with the gods that they did not have.
Q95:T
Tell me the dream -- Arguing that if they had supernatural
power by which they could explain a dream, the same power
could rehearse it. CR41:6
Made the thing known -- Evidently Daniel was not with
the magicians before the king. Q95:T
Removeth kings -- God had to do with the setting up and
pulling down of the universal governments. R5305:2
Maketh known to the king -- And indirectly, more
particularly, to the watchers. R2976:6
Known to thee -- Picture of Gentile rule of earth from the
human standpoint. OV82:2
A great image -- Representing the four great Gentile
universal empires. A253; R419:6, R5564:3, R5854:1;
Q82:1
Symbolizing not the people, but the governments. A255
Showing the earthly governments that would rule over the
earth during the interim between the overthrow of the typical
kingdom of God and the installation of the true King in his
Millennial Kingdom glory. R2976:4
The period of time during which these universal empires will
have controlled the world must be the Times of the Gentiles.
R5564:3
Symbol of the world power in its whole development and
final destruction. R3359:4*
Was excellent -- From Nebuchadnezzar's, the world's,
standpoint. A256; CR42:2
As thus glorious the earthly kingdoms are regarded by the
world; but God portrayed the same four earthly governments
to Daniel, in chapter 7, as beastly. R166:2, R419:6, R815:2
Head was of fine gold -- Representing the Babylonian
empire. R166:2, R419:6, R2976:4, R815:2, R5526:2,
R5564:2; SM417:1, SM478:1; PD49/61; A253; OV82:2,
OV340:5; CR42:1
Breast and his arms of silver -- Representing the Medo-Persian empire. See references to Head was of fine gold.
Belly and his thighs of brass -- Representing the Grecian
empire. See references to Head was of fine gold.
His legs of iron -- Representing the Roman empire. See
references to Head was of fine gold.
Two legs represent the strong Roman empire, East and West,
Rome and Constantinople; each, in turn, was the Roman
capital. OV341:3, OV192:1; R3359:4; SM478:1
That Rome held universal sway in the time of our Lord's birth
is shown in Luke 2:1, "There went out a decree from Caesar
Augustus that all the world should be taxed." A253; CR42:1
If Israel had accepted Jesus as King, the Messianic Kingdom
would have been established at this point. Foreseeing their
failure, God pictured the extension of Gentile supremacy in
the feet of the image. OV82:2
His feet -- The toes are kingdoms, corresponding to the ten
horns of the beast of Dan. 7:7. R3359:4*
Being represented in the present divisions of the Roman
empire in Europe. R5854:1; SM478:1
The kingdoms now in existence, represented in the feet,
received their power and authority originally from the Papacy
or some of her protesting daughters who crowned them to
reign "by the grace of God." R815:2
It is upon the feet of this image that the Armageddon crash of
God's Kingdom is pictured as falling--grinding the entire
image to powder. R5854:1
Part of iron -- Represents civil governments. SM478:1;
PD49/61; A254; R3359:5*, R2976:5
Some places the iron is more prominent and some places the
clay. The iron, which has the strength, is usually the most
prominent. Q96:T
Part of clay -- Imitation stone; stone being the symbol of
the true Kingdom of God. A254; Q:81:1, Q96:T; SM417:3;
R5564:5
Represented ecclesiasticism as it is now mixed up with the
politics of the ten kingdoms of Europe. SM478:1, SM417:2;
PD49/61; A254; R5526:2, R3359:5*, R2976:5; Q81:1
The commingling of the iron and clay represented that
blending of church and state known as the Holy Roman
empire. OV82:2
Till that a stone -- The true Kingdom of God, Christ and
the Church. A254; CR42:3; SM417:2, SM479:2; OV82:3;
R2976:5, R3293:2
The fifth universal empire, Messiah's Kingdom. There have
been two unsuccessful attempts to establish this fifth empire--
one by Papacy and the other by Napoleon. OV340:5
A small stone, a Little Flock. R2375:1
Messiah, Head and Body. R3293:2
The holy mountain referred to in Isa. 11:9. R5575:4
During its preparation, while being cut out, it might be called
an embryo mountain, in view of its future destiny; as the
Church is sometimes called the Kingdom of God. A255
The New Jerusalem "coming down from God out of heaven."
(Rev. 21:10) R654:5, R2606:3
When he gives the saints with Christ their Lord the heathen
for an inheritance; when he gives the Kingdom under the
whole heavens to the people of the saints. R658:5
The Gentiles, not fully out of power; but, their lease expiring,
their eviction begins. Bix
The Times of the Gentiles is the period between the time that
the image was set up or came into power and the time that the
stone is to smite the image upon the feet and crush its power.
Q82:1; SM478:1; OV82:3
Was cut out -- During the Gospel age this "stone"
kingdom, the true Church, is being formed, "cut out." A255;
OV82:3
Without hands -- Without human aid. SM479:1
But by the power of God. R2606:3, R3359:4*, R654:5;
OV191:5, OV429:3
Smote the image -- The preparatory step to the
establishment of Messiah's Kingdom. R5526:2; OV341:1;
B99
The impact is prominently noted throughout the Scriptures as
a "time of trouble such as never was since there was a
nation." (Dan. 12:1) OV83:T
The little period of 40 years between 1874 and 1914 is, in the
Scriptures, called the "Day of Vengeance," the smiting time
preparatory to the inauguration of the Kingdom of
righteousness. R1874:5
We expect this smiting in 1915, not 1914. Q96:4
If Zedekiah's dethronement should be dated BC 588, it would
make the date 1932. My conviction, however, favors 1914.
SM480:T
This smiting, we believe, is near at hand (1915 comment), the
present war in Europe being intended of the Lord to weaken
the nations and prepare them for the next stage of trouble.
R5673:5
It is the smiting by this Kingdom that is preparing for the
wreck of all the kingdoms of earth. R1692:6, R5916:6
The dominion of earth. R2375:1, R5575:3; A262
The Kingdom of God, when first set up at the introduction of
the Millennial age, will be small; but, as soon as set up in
power, it will smite the "great image" of earthly rulership.
R5575:2
The present smiting of the nations is under Kingdom control.
The fact that some of the members of the Kingdom class are
still in the flesh does not mitigate at all against this thought.
R5632:1
We see all about us evidence of the beginning of the smiting,
shaking and overturning of the present powers preparatory to
the establishment of the Kingdom. B170
The smiting will not come from the Church in the flesh, with
carnal weapons, but from the Church in Kingdom glory,
backed by divine power. R5716:4
Not until the Church is complete, and Christ takes to himself
his great power to reign, and the Gentile times end, will this
heavenly power be hurled against the image. OV82:3; A255
It is the Heavenly Father that will do the smiting. You and I
have nothing to do with that. Q82:2; CR42:4
The impact will be so sharp and so thorough as to leave
nothing of Gentile supremacy. R5527:4, R5854:1; SM479:1
Upon his feet -- The very last part of the image. CR42:4
Present earthly governments. R668:5
The Roman empire still exists, not in the form in which it was
first recognized, but in the fact that it was a combination of
church and state and the two, uniting, sought to rule all
Europe and the world. Q96:T
It is upon the feet of this image that the Armageddon crash of
God's Kingdom is pictured as falling. R5854:1
Of iron and clay -- Civil and ecclesiastical powers. B78
The decaying power of the Roman dominion. R815:2
Brake them to pieces -- Not gradually, but suddenly.
R3359:5*
The crushing comes at the end of the age, preparatory to the
establishment of Messiah's Kingdom. OV341:1; R654:5
The present step (1915) is the war of the nations. The next
will be Socialism--attempted Socialism--and the third step,
anarchy. R5632:2
Not until Immanuel shall take his great power and reign and
bind Satan will there be permanent peace. R2361:1
Then -- When the time came for the setting up of the Fifth
Universal empire. A260
The iron -- The Roman empire; civil power. A254; B78
The clay -- Ecclesiastical power. A254; B78
The brass -- The Grecian empire, which still has a
measure of life. A253, A260
The silver -- The Persian empire, which still has a measure
of life. A253, A260
The gold -- The Babylonian empire. A253
Together, all the evil kingdoms of the prince of darkness.
R2606:3
Broken to pieces -- Their utter destruction. R2338:5
Together -- Struck once--shattered all together. R3359:5*
Sir Isaac Newton observed: "All the four beasts are still alive,
though the dominion of the first three be taken away."
HG74:2
Like the chaff -- Ground to powder in the great time of
trouble. R5575:3, R2314:1, R5632:1
The Armageddon crash of God's Kingdom is pictured as
falling--grinding the entire image to powder. R5854:1
The impact will be so sharp and so thorough as to leave
nothing of them--they will cease to be. R5527:4
And the wind -- A great war. R3414:3
No place was found -- Graphic description of the end of
Gentile governments. OV83:1; R5527:4, R668:5
So long as these governments would be here, they and
Messiah's Kingdom could not cooperate. R5526:2
And the stone -- See comments on Dan. 2:34.
After it had done the smiting work. R3359:5*
Became -- Spreading, in its various parts, as do earthly
governments. D642
Gradually expanding. R2375:1; SM479:2
Its own power and dominion will be established as fast as by
its varied influences and agencies it crushes and scatters the
powers that be. B78
A great mountain -- Kingdom. D642; R654:5, R409:6,
R2606:3, R2976:6, R5181:2, R5182:2
Many years will doubtless pass before this prophecy will be
fulfilled. R5182:2
Not by poor human efforts will God's Kingdom come.
R658:5, R414:5
Filled the whole earth -- Having broken to pieces the evil
kingdoms of the prince of darkness. R2606:3, R654:5
And not only the place where the image stood. SM479:2
A worldwide Kingdom. R5181:2
As a spiritual unseen power, but with human representatives
who can be seen. R219:4
This is the dream -- Containing a great political chart of
the world's history for the last twenty-five centuries. R662:1*
Tell the interpretation -- Daniel is the introduction to
John; the book of John is the completion of Daniel. Daniel is
first John; John is second Daniel. They are two parts of the
same book, using the same symbols and hieroglyphics and
treating the same course of events. R662:1*
A king of kings -- A king over kings; the first one
represented in the image. Q95:2
Nebuchadnezzar was made the representative ruling head of
human dominion--Lord of earth. B96
The greatness of Babylonia dates especially from the time of
the overthrow of Israel. At that time God recognized it and it
became the universal empire. Q80:1
The God of heaven -- Man's present efforts to rule are not
in defiance of Jehovah, but by his permission, for a limited
time. A251
Hath given thee -- There the Gentile kingdoms, or
"Powers that be, were ordained of God." (Rom. 13:1) A253
Saying to the Gentiles, I will not be ready to set up my
Kingdom for some time. In the interim you may have
opportunity to demonstrate what you can do for the world.
Institute the best government that you can. R5564:4
They are all Gentile governments and not representatives of
God. All these kingdoms are demonstrating various
principles of government. HG569:6
We are interested in these kingdoms because we are interested
in mankind in general, and we may pray for them such
wisdom as God sees best. R5205:1
A kingdom -- For the opportunity to see what he could do
with it. R5204:4
The first kingdom in the image. Previously God had his own
kingdom of Israel in the world, during which time there could
be no other universal empire. Q81:1; R2497:2; HG48:2
And the fowls -- Almost the same language addressed to
Adam. B96; HG49:1
Into thine hand -- And not into the hand of his dead
father, Nabopolassar, as some suppose. R1978:5
Each of the five universal monarchies existed a long time
before universal dominion was given into its hand. B100
Thou -- Babylon, represented by Nebuchadnezzar. A253;
OV340:4; SM417:1
It was under Nebuchadnezzar's administration that the
Babylonian empire reached its zenith. R2497:2
Art this head -- The representative head of earth. B96;
R2497:2
Another kingdom -- The succeeding Medo-Persian
empire. A253; PD49/61; OV340:4
These are all Gentile kingdoms and not representatives of
God. All these various kingdoms demonstrate various
principles of government. R5204:5
Had only one nation been permitted to experiment with the
race, we would not have known whether other nations might
have been successful if given the opportunity. R5204:5
Third kingdom -- Grecia. A253; OV340:4
Fourth kingdom -- Rome. A253; OV340:4
The present governments of Europe are the Roman empire
under a new gloss, or pretense. Their laws, methods and
ambitions are those of the Romans exactly; but, deceiving and
being deceived, they call themselves Christian kingdoms.
R5673:4
The Roman empire still exists as a combination of church and
state although there has been a disintegration between the iron
(civil) and the clay (ecclesiastical) powers. A254; Q96:T
Strong as iron -- The iron empire, Rome, was by far the
strongest and endured longer than its predecessors--in fact, it
still continues in the nations of Europe. A253
Feet and toes -- The present divisions of the Roman
empire. A254; OV340:5; R5854:1; SM405:4
Today we have the division of the nations known as
Christendom--Protestant and Catholic--as represented by the
toes of the image. OV82:2, OV83:7
The ten toes are also pictured in the ten horns of the terrible
beast of Dan. 7. OV83:7
America is not included directly, only indirectly. R5854:1
Part of potters' clay -- Ecclesiastical powers. Q96:T,
A254
Part of iron -- The civil power. A254; Q96:T
The kingdom -- The Holy Roman empire. A253; Q81:1
Shall be divided -- The Roman empire passed through the
course foretold--first united, then divided. R662:3*
Strength of the iron -- The iron, or civil power, is usually the most prominent. Q96:T
Iron mixed with miry clay -- Religious and civil power
mixed--an imitation of stone which is the symbol of the true
Kingdom of God. A254; Q81:1; R5673:5
As the toes -- These ten divisions of the Roman empire
now exist as France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England,
Spain, Portugal, Lombardy, Romania and Ravenna. HG12:6
Thou sawest iron -- Civil power. A254
Mixed with miry clay -- Ecclesiastical power. Q96:T,
A254
The gloss of nominal Christianity covering the civil power,
outwardly resembling Christ's Kingdom. R5564:5; Q81:1
Mingle themselves -- Blend together in confusion,
Babylon. A254
Shall not cleave -- Not thoroughly amalgamate. A254
When the miry clay becomes dry and "brittle" it loses its
adhesive power. The iron and clay now shows signs of
dissolution and will quickly crumble when smitten by the
"stone," the true Kingdom. A254
In the days -- From 1874 to 1914 AD. C128
While they still have power. A262; B99, B170; R5631:5
Now the Day of the Lord has come. Earth's rightful King
takes his great power and begins his reign while yet the
powers of darkness hold their places. R1161:3
Of these kings -- The last of the Gentile powers, the
so-called Christian kingdoms of Christendom, represented in the
toes of the image. A262, A254; D623; OV340:6
"Kingdoms of this world," (Matt. 4:8) Gentile kingdoms,
permitted to hold sway until the time of Messiah's Kingdom--
and no longer. R4799:3
So also Babylon existed before it conquered Jerusalem and
Medo-Persia before it conquered Babylon. All kingdoms
must first exist and receive superior power before they could
conquer others. B99; HG75:3
The ten powers, representative of the Roman empire, before
they are destroyed in the "Day of the Lord." R112:6,
R798:4, R82:2
Whether the strife will extend beyond the boundaries of
Roman rule we do not know. CR494:6
Shall the God of heaven -- Not by poor human efforts.
R658:5, R414:5
It is Jehovah's work to set up Christ's dominion. "I will give
thee the Gentiles for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts
of the earth for thy possession." (Psa. 2:8) A309
Set up -- To exalt his Church. C115
Gradually establish in power and authority. A262; R2375:1,
R5181:2
The first step in the setting up of this Kingdom was the
raising of the sleeping saints in 1878. R5631:5
The Church is the Kingdom now only in the prospective sense
that a babe is a man. When we are glorified with our Head,
that will be our exaltation, the heavenly Kingdom "set up."
R397:4
In the full sense when The Christ is complete, every member
glorified. R5193:1; B77
The inauguration of Messiah's Kingdom in the world.
R5328:2, R5181:2
It is set up before the kingdoms of earth fall. R60:5*
Earth's rightful King begins his reign while yet the powers of
darkness hold their places. R1161:3
The setting up of this Kingdom will mean, of course, the
overthrow of all the kingdoms of this earth. R307:5
The two cannot long stand together. R1161:3
Our setting up must be before the plaques which are
represented as destroying earthly kingdoms. R112:6
A kingdom -- Present representatively throughout the
Gospel age, unrecognized by the world. D623; R397:4
This is a prophecy of restitution, because any prophecy of the
Kingdom of Christ and his saints is a prophecy of restitution.
HG336:3
It shall have no successors, for the others will all be
destroyed. R2976:6
The Kingdom for which our redeemer himself taught us to
pray. R1776:5, R2724:4, R2976:5; D429
Established on the principles of justice and equity, based
upon the golden law of love to God and men. R420:5,
R166:6
When the Day of the Lord is fully under way, all the tribes of
earth shall mourn because of him (Matt. 24:30) who is now
assuming control. R748:4
Never be destroyed -- Unlike the changing Gentile
kingdoms represented in the image. D623
The righteous King shall take possession of earth's
governments. R2724:4
Not be left to other people -- As the power of the image
shifted from one people to another. D623
It shall have no successors, for the others will all be
destroyed. R2976:6
But it -- The Lord's Kingdom, which is even now engaged
in the shaking and overturning work. B170
Our Lord assured his faithful that, at the time of the
establishment of his Kingdom and the overthrow of Gentile
power, the overcoming Church would be with him and have a
share in that work. D624; CR493:5
Break in pieces -- "As the vessels of a potter shall they be
broken to shivers." (Rev. 2:27) A256; D429; R507:3,
R2691:6
When the Kingdoms would be given to "the people of the
saints of the Most High," they were to "smite them in pieces
as a potter's vessel" This intimates that in some sense the Lord
will take possession before they have been completely
overthrown. R5631:5, R3293:4
Utter destruction in a great time of trouble. R2375:1,
R2338:5, R5328:2; A255
Not by bloodless revolution of the ballot box, but by a "time
of trouble." (Dan. 12:1) R1563:6
The intimation is that the catastrophe coming upon our
civilization will be a sudden one. The Scriptures do not say
that the trouble will come in an hour, or in one day, or in one
year. R5328:2
The great ones of earth will not voluntarily resign their power
and offices but will have to be driven off their thrones. The
saints, however, fight not with carnal weapons and will have
nothing to do with this driving. R1156:1
Thus by "breaking in pieces" --throwing down--"the
kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and
of his Christ," and "he shall reign forever." (Rev. 11:15)
R409:3
The "kingdoms of this world," even while being crushed by
the Kingdom of God, will be quite ignorant of the real cause
of their downfall. C129
At the time of the establishment of the Kingdom and the
overthrow of Gentile power, the overcoming Church would
be with him and have a share in that work. D623
The grand blessings of restitution are already begun in this
trouble, which is a blessing in disguise, breaking in pieces and
removing the present governments and systems represented in
Nebuchadnezzar's image. R852:1
And consume -- Jezebel shall be "eaten by dogs" --the
nominal church will be cast down and consumed. R235:5
All these kingdoms -- Not people. R419:6
The nations of Europe and America. R2691:5
Surely every one which formed part of the old Roman empire.
Whether the strife will extend beyond the boundaries of the
Roman rule, whether it will involve America, we do not
know. CR494:6; R5854,1
No nation on earth can now be said to have God's special
fatherly providence over it. R1561:6
Present governments are pictured as beastly, and God's saints
should rejoice in the promise of their overthrow. R1563:6
Therefore we can neither labor nor pray for the perpetuation
of the governments of this world. R798:4
Shall stand for ever -- The next, fifth, universal empire,
under Messiah. R2976:6, R2145:1; A260
The world needs a "strong government" to hold it in check
and bring blessings and happiness to every creature. R2145:1
The kingdoms of this world, being all overthrown, will be
re-established on principles of justice and equity, based upon the
golden law of love to God and man. R420:5
That the stone -- Representing the true Church, the
Kingdom of God. A255; R2375:1, R5564:5, R1408:2;
OV82:3; PD49/61
At first, insignificant in size and seeming powerless to the
world. R5575:3
God's Kingdom will not remain small, but will gradually
expand until it shall fill the whole earth. R2375:1, R5575:2;
SM417:2
Was cut out -- Carved and shaped for its future position
and greatness. A255
Of the mountain -- Mountains, kingdoms of the earth.
R654:5
Without hands -- Not by human hands, but by the power
of the truth. A255; R5673:5
Supernaturally; quarried out of the "earth" by the Lord.
OV341:T, R5575:3
And that it -- When complete, when entirely cut out, it
will smite and destroy the kingdoms of this world. A255
Brake in pieces -- Smite the image and grind it to powder.
This smiting is near at hand. R5673:5
The smiting will come from the Church in Kingdom glory,
backed by divine power. R5716:4
Messiah, Head and Body, shall overrule so that the nations of
earth shall be broken to shivers. R3293:5, R5631:5
The present terrible war (1914) is not the great time of trouble
in the fullest sense of the word, but merely the forerunner.
The great time of trouble will be brought on by anarchy.
R5526:3
The dream is certain -- The stone is rolling; the hill is
steepening; the impetus becomes terrible very soon, and 20
years will amply suffice to destroy old things and fit the earth
for the new. R1705:3*
Over all the wise men -- The expectations of the Magi
(Matt. 2:1-12) may have arisen from Daniel's prophecies and
the calculations by which he pointed to the time of Messiah's
advent. R1674:6
Nebuchadnezzar -- The representative lord of earth. B96
Recognized not only as civil, but also as religious ruler.
R2494:6
Representing the Papacy. R2495:6
Made an image -- Having just won some great victories
over the surrounding nations of Egypt, Syria, etc. R2494:2
Pride overbalancing his judgment. PD51/62
Of Bel-Merodach, the god Nebuchadnezzar believed had
given him his victories. R4874:1
To impress all nations with the greatness and magnificence of
the Babylonian power and of the futility of resisting it.
R4874:1
Symbolizing the coming Protestant Confederation,
cooperating with the Papacy. D581; R2495:6
The Roman Catholic church is an idol, as are the Greek
Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. --
all similarly demanding worship, obedience and revenue.
R2496:1
The first step in the formation of the symbolic image of
Papacy is the organization of the Evangelical Alliance; the
second step is an active living cooperation of Protestants as
one system. R2495:6
The great Evangelical Alliance of so-called Protestant
denominations; the likeness to the "Beast" consisting of its
doctrines and general policy. R1409:4
There are idols just as potent today--the various creeds of
Christendom which men have set to intercept the worship of
the true and living God. R1408:6
The religious unity of the empire was to be demonstrated b a
general worship of the golden image. R4874:2, R2494:3,
R4873:6
Ninety feet high and nine feet wide. R2494:3, R4874:2
Worship of the symbolic beast and his image is to be a great
test or trial upon professing Christians in the end of this age.
R2495:6
Of gold -- Not necessarily of solid gold. Herodotus
mentions a smaller statue at Babylon of solid gold, weighing
43,000 pounds. R4874:5
Set it up -- Today various idols are set up all over
Christendom. R2495:5
The plain of Dura -- Probably in the center of the city of
Babylon. R2494:3
Sent to gather -- Benevolence, as well as wisdom, was at
the foundation of Nebuchadnezzar's scheme. R4874:1
Considering the theory of the Jews to bless all the families of
the earth a wise one, and himself the opportune person to
carry it out. R4874:1
Of the provinces -- The provinces of Babylon today are
the various civilized nations--deluded into calling themselves
kingdoms of Christ, "Christendom." R2495:5
Golden Image -- Which represented Nebuchadnezzar in
that it represented his god. R4874:2
Having one religion might help to cement the various
incongruous elements of his kingdom. R4874:1
Falleth not down -- Those who will not bow are
overcomers. R2495:6, R323:6
The time is fast approaching when the religious liberty we
now enjoy will be greatly restricted and the work of
disseminating truth interfered with by combined civil and
ecclesiastical power. R1409:1
The worship of the symbolic beast and his image are to be the
great test or trial upon professing Christians in every province
of symbolic Babylon in the end of this age. R2495:6
Fiery furnace -- Symbolizing the time of trouble. B162;
C146
The golden image -- Representing Nebuchadnezzar in that
it represented his god. R4874:2
Certain Chaldeans -- No doubt the three Hebrews, like all
good men, had their enemies. R2494:6
Certain Jews -- Daniel is not mentioned here, possibly
because he was one of the king's personal staff and
household. R2494:6
Just where Daniel was at this time we do not know. R4873:3
Have not regarded -- Had defied the king's power.
R4874:3
Rage and fury -- Disappointed at the only in harmony that
had occurred with his great project. R4874:5
At the three whom the king had so graciously treated at the
time of their captivity, and who apparently owed so much to
him. How ungrateful and traitorous they appeared. R4874:6
When we read that King Nebuchadnezzar became furious we
should sympathetically remember the circumstances.
R4874:5
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego -- Daniel is omitted,
possibly because, as a member of the king's personal staff, his
conduct would not come so directly in contrast with the
general conduct. R2494:6
Just where Daniel was we do not know, but his three
companions were governors of Babylonian provinces.
R4873:3
It was a crucial test for them, for they knew that to cross the
king's will meant death. R2494:6
Worship the golden Image -- All, including Israel, were
commanded to worship the idol. R1408:2
If ye be ready -- He would give these headstrong
governors a further chance for their lives. R4874:4
Cornet, flute, harp -- Picturing the enchanting music of
the hour. R323:6
Ye fall down -- Thus indicate their loyalty to the king and
to his gods. R2494:5
If ye worship not -- A treasonable offence punishable with
death. R1408:2
Fiery furnace -- Perhaps the one used in melting the gold
for the image of immense size. R2495:3
Representing fiery trials--social ostracism and financial
boycotts. R2496:1
If New Creatures be called upon to go through a furnace of
affliction, God will be with them that they shall not be hurt,
but blest. R1409:5
Who is that God -- In his arrogance of mind he felt
prepared to contest even the unseen and unknown invisible
powers. R2495:1
Answered -- In their faithfulness to God, these three men
preferred a dreadful death. R1408:2
In modern times the killing is not necessarily physical, but in
a social sense--cutting off of influence, name, etc. R1409:4
Not careful to answer -- Not anxious to argue the matter
with the king. R2495:2
If it be so -- We are not able to know what may be God's
will respecting the remainder of our lives. R4874:4
Whom we serve -- Not merely worship. R2497:1
Let us resolve to neither worship nor serve sectarianism nor
mammon, but only the Lord our God. R2497:4
God's children today should refuse to bow down to the image
of war. Q731:4; R5755:5
Fiery furnace -- Of tribulation; in their families,
communities or businesses. R323:6
He will deliver us -- If not a present deliverance, then a
still more glorious deliverance and reward in the future.
R1409:6
But if not -- If he does not choose to deliver us, that will
not alter our course. R5755:5
We must not expect God to deliver us in every case. R4874:4
There are two ways of escape--by avoidance of the trouble or
being kept from its poignancy by "grace sufficient" --out of
the furnace of affliction, or in the furnace heated seven times.
R2975:5
While the Lord delivered the three Hebrews, he did not
prevent the beheading of John; while Peter was delivered,
James was not; while Paul's life was preserved, the Apostle
John was cast into a caldron of boiling oil. R2496:3
To be loyal and true to God in these days requires as much
courage and true heroism as was necessary in the days of
gross idolatry. R1408:6
There are trials before the Lord's people today that are fully as
severe. R2495:5
Not serve thy gods -- Various creeds of Christendom and
traditions of men. R1408:6
God's children should refuse to bow down to the image of
war. Q731:4
We must neither worship nor serve sectarianism, nor
mammon, nor fame, nor friends, nor self. R2497:4
Full of fury -- He had conquered the world. Would he
now be defied by these three men? R4874:5, R2495:1
Visage was changed -- From admiration to hate. R2495:2
Heat the furnace -- Naphtha may have been the fuel used
in the great open furnace. R4874:5
Seven times more -- To its utmost capacity. R2495:3;
PD51/62
Forgetting that thereby the sufferings of those cast therein
would be diminished. R4874:5
The Lord will keep his own--whether out of the furnace of
affliction, or in it, heated seven times. R2975:5
Most mighty men -- Prominent officers, to demonstrate
the power of his army. R2495:3
In their coats -- In their official garb. R2495:3
Cast into the midst -- So here, those who do not worship
the image are speedily in a "fiery furnace" of tribulation.
R323:6
The flame of the fire -- A Jewish legend tells that the fire
streamed out 75 feet, perhaps driven by a gust of wind or
perhaps occasioned by the throwing in of additional fuel.
R4874:5
Slew those men -- Possibly by the inhalation of the flames.
R2495:3
Three men -- In Dan. 6:7 Daniel alone refused to worship
any but the true God; here the three "Israelites indeed"
refused to worship the image. So the number who are not
worshiping the image now are probably three to one over
those who did not worship the beast. R323:6
Loose -- Sometimes the fires of persecution merely burn
the cords that bind the Lord's people and give them larger
opportunities to serve the truth than they could otherwise
have. R2496:3
They have no hurt -- The Lord may possibly allow his
saints to go through much of the time of trouble, but render
them fireproof in the midst of it, because the Son of God is
with them. B162
Form of the fourth -- Of the most remarkable appearance,
causing the kin to speak of him as one of the gods. R4874:6,
R2495:3
The Son of God -- The Head--the True Head--is with those
who will not bow when all others bow. R323:6
The faithful ones pass through trying experiences with
fortitude, having endured as seeing him who is invisible.
(Heb. 11:27) R4784:4
New Creatures, going through a furnace of affliction, shall be
blest by the Master's presence and communion. R1409:5,
R2496:2
Ye servants of...God -- The king realized that he had made
a great mistake and defied the great God. R2495:4
Fire had no power -- Satan imitates this exercise of divine
power among Indian medicine men. R2174:2
The fire in the end of this age "shall try every man's work of
what sort it is," (1 Cor. 3:13) consuming all but the genuine
faith and character structures. R2496:4
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego -- The king rejoiced
in the noble characters of these men. R2496:5
He promoted them to still higher positions. R2495:5
So with Christians. Having demonstrated their fidelity to God
to this extent, their trials and troubles are turned into blessings
and joys. R2496:2
No other God -- A simple and beautiful acknowledgment
of the God of the Hebrews. R2495:4
Sometimes even the worldly, seeing the Lord's people in the
furnace of affliction receiving a blessing, thus glorify our
Heavenly Father's name. R2496:3
While idolatry had been one of the chief sins of the Israelites
before the captivity, they had little idolatry in its crude form
afterward. R2495:4
The king promoted -- To still higher positions, for they
had still more of his confidence respecting their integrity.
R2495:5
Visions of mine head -- "None of the wicked shall
understand; but the wise shall understand." (Dan. 12:10)
R598:3
Behold a tree -- The first dominion of earth. B94
Hew down the tree -- In death. B94
The beasts get away -- The lower creation no more found
shelter and blessing under man's influence. B94
Stump of his roots -- God's purpose and plan of
restitution. B94
A band of iron -- That it should not sprout until the
appointed time. B94
And let it -- The figure changes from a tree to a degraded
man. B95
Heart be changed -- Man's heart has become beastly and
degraded through the fall. B95
So history seems to show that during the period of Gentile
dominion the poor world has been in a measure insane,
putting light for darkness and darkness for light. CR44:6
Let seven times -- In the Bible a "time" is used in the
sense of a year. A symbolic year as used in prophecy is
reckoned on the basis of a lunar year--12 months of 30 days
each, or 360 days--each day representing a year. B89;
CRI40:2
The final and conclusive punishment visited upon the Jews,
the "Times of the Gentiles." Seven symbolic times would be
2520 years, beginning with the 70 years of desolation of the
land in 606 BC and ending in 1914 AD. B91, B97
A "prophetic year" of 360 days, used to symbolize 360 years,
is an arbitrary arrangement peculiar to its intended symbolic
use. It is neither a lunar year of 354 1/3 days nor a solar year
of 365 1/4 days. A prophetic year, or time, would mean 360
actual, or solar years, of the common reckoning. R1979:6
Repeated four times (verses 16, 23, 25, 32) as in Lev. 26
(verses 18, 21, 24, 28). HG49:3
When perfect man lost his ability and right to reign. it was
taken away and given to the Adversary whose reign of terror
and death lasted 6000 years--but limited by the Almighty as
to time and power. R196:4
Most High ruleth -- Exercises a supervisory oversight.
Q502:1
God's government is general over all his works. R196:4
The Lord guides in the affairs of nations now, only so far as
will promote the fulfilment of his own purposes. R5466:5:
Q501:7
A hindering or restraining power. Q502:3; R5466:6
Kingdom of men -- Not that he authorized them to
represent him. Q502:1; R5466:6
Whomsoever he will -- God used King Cyrus to perform
his bidding. Q501:5; R5466:3
Setteth up -- Whoever sat on the throne of Israel was there
as the Lord's representative. R5466:3; Q501:4
Basest of men -- He brings to power those who will have
the disposition to do what he purposes when his due time has
arrived. R5467:1
For example, Pharaoh, the perverse king of Egypt. Q501:5;
R5466:3
It is thou, O king -- Nebuchadnezzar, typifying the
original dominion given to Adam: "Thou art this head of
gold." (Dan. 2:38) B96
With the beasts -- Typical of human degradation under
beastly governments. B96
Till seven times -- Typifying the Times of the Gentiles.
B95, B97; R2498:1
Seven times -- This, being a type, covers only seven literal
years. R109:5*
During Gentile domination of 2520 years the poor world has
been in a measure insane. CR44:6
Leave the stump -- The root of promise and hope, planted
first in Eden and borne across the flood and transplanted with
Israel, will sprout and bloom again. B98
That there might be a restitution of the kingdom. HG49:2
The heavens do rule -- The kingdom of earth is sure to
man after he has learned that the heavens do rule. R196:4
This came upon the king -- We understand that God's
dealing with King Nebuchadnezzar was prophetic. R5466:3
Great Babylon -- 14 miles square surrounded by walls 350
feet high (300 feet--R2497:3) and 80 feet broad. having 100
gates; the largest and strongest fortress in the world at that
time; it was the center of commerce, art and wisdom.
R2497:3, R3632:3, R4901:6
Seven times -- The "Times of the Gentiles." B95, B97;
R109:5*; CR44:6; HG49:5
Shall pass -- Although the Gentile times do expire, it may
be that the Lord will not immediately dispossess them.
R5449:4
Whomsoever he will -- He might have given the Kingdom
to Jesus without redeeming man at all had he seen good to do
so. A274
Nebuchadnezzar -- His period of bestial degradation
represents the madness upon the world. R3361:2
The end of the days -- Typically. Antitypically, the end
of the Times of the Gentiles. B97
Understanding returned -- So at the end of the Gentile
times, after 1915 AD, reason will begin to come back to the
prodigal son (Israel). R3361:3
Already we begin to see reason returning to mankind; men are
awakening to some sense of their degradation, and are on the
lookout to improve their condition. B98
Typifying the restitution of earth's dominion. B97
After the close of the Gentile times humanity will regain its
sanity and praise the God of heaven. CR44:6
Praise and extol -- Nebuchadnezzar and other nations,
even those in idolatry, reverenced Jehovah, the God of Israel.
R2541:3
Belshazzar the king -- Identified with the Nabonidus of
secular history whose name appears on ancient tablets.
R2497:2
The grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. R3632:3
His name has the same signification as that given to Daniel,
Belteshazzar, both signifying "Favored of God." R2497:2
Under whose reign came the collapse which pride, fulness of
bread and abundance of idleness always insure and hasten.
D24
Made a great feast -- A boast in the greatness of Babylon.
R2497:5
To renew memories of their great victories of the past.
R4901:6
Corresponding to the great denominational union expected
soon. R2498:6; HG521:4
The golden -- Representing the precious truths of God's
Word: also, the Little Flock. R2498:6; C96; HG521:4
And silver vessels -- Representing the Great Company.
R2498:6. R4079:4*; HG521:4
These were profaned by drinking therefrom to the honor of
Bel, the god of Babylon. R2497:5
Gold and silver: Divine and natural truths or doctrines.
R1483:6
Nebuchadnezzar had taken -- In the pillage of Solomon's
Temple--a triumph over the Jews. R4901:6
Out of the temple -- Solomon's Temple. R4901:6
Might drink therein -- Typifying injuries and defilements
yet to come. R2498:6
Corresponding in Mystic Babylon to a spirit of boastfulness,
of pride, of intoxication with error, apparently drawn from the
Divine Word. SM410:3
Brought the golden vessels -- To renew memories of past
victories over the Jews and supposedly over their God.
R4901:6
They drank wine -- So mystic Babylon is said to make all
nations drunk with the wine, doctrine, which she gives them
out of the golden cup which she holds in her hand. HG521:6
Praised the gods -- Drinking to Bel, the god of Babylon.
R2497:5
Wrote...upon...wall -- In letters of fire. R4902:1
A message from Jehovah announcing the end of Belshazzar's
dominion as a just punishment for his sacrilege. R3633:2
Scarlet and...gold -- Some in mystic Babylon, having
received honors and robes, are inclined to hide the message
now due to Babylon. R2497:6
Nor make known -- Even if they had deciphered the letters
and words, they had no interpretation to offer, because, from
their standpoint, the true meaning would seem too far from
the truth. R2497:5
The queen -- The king's mother. R2497:5, R3633:1
Daniel -- At this time about 90 years of age. R3632:3,
R2497:5
A chain of gold -- As an insignia of rank. R2497:6
Gifts be to thyself -- Had Daniel accepted them he would
have felt obligated to the king to such an extent that it might
have warped his judgment or weakened his expression of the
Lord's message. R2497:6
Rewards to another -- Daniel renounced all claim to these
gifts as a reward. R2497:6, R3633:2
Those who would be mouthpieces of the Lord should serve
without stipulation of compensation. R2497:6
Thus many of the Lord's true servants in mystic Babylon are
hindered by having received robes and honors and are
inclined to hide or cover the message now due. They are
bound by the chains of gold around their necks. R2497:6
The interpretation -- The secret evidently lay in the
manner in which the letters were arranged, the characters
themselves being Chaldaic. R4902:1
O thou king -- The aged prophet displayed gentleness as
well as fearlessness in the delivery of his message. R2498:1
God gave Nebuchadnezzar -- Though his father,
Nabopolassar. is recorded by history as the founder of new
Babylonia, the "Times of the Gentiles" could not begin while
God's typical kingdom in Israel remained--until the days of
Zedekiah. R2497:1
Till he knew -- King Belshazzar, knowing this, should
have humbled himself and been reverential toward Jehovah
God. R3633:2
Lifted up thyself -- Belshazzar boasted of his fortress and
declared that the gods of Babylon were superior to all others.
R3633:1
Vessels of his house -- To profane them in the worship and
glorification of idols. R2498:1, R3633:1
Nations which have dealt unjustly with the Jews or have
persecuted spiritual Israelites have been punished. R3633:5
In whose hand -- Power. R2498:1
Thy breath is -- The God of all life has full power to
control your course. R2498:1
The part of the hand -- The warning hand of divine
providence. D42
Sent from him -- It was recognized as being of
superhuman origin. R3633:1
MENE, MENE -- Mene was repeated twice, probably for
the sake of emphasis--Numbered! Numbered!--the limit of
the time of your dominion has expired. R2498:2
TEKEL -- Short weight, lacking. R2498:2
The Babylonian kingdom had retrograded from the original
type. R4902:1
Mystic Babylon falls for a similar reason. R2498:4;
SM411:T, HG521:3
In this day of his presence our Lord is judging the nations and
weighing them in the balance. R5989:1
At that very time Cyrus' army of retribution was investing the
city. R3633:3
UPHARSIN -- Broken or crushed into pieces, destroyed.
R2498:2; HG520:1
Similarly the hand of providence now foretells the impending
doom of ecclesiasticism. D42, D76, D97; F592
A type of the fall of antitypical Babylon at the hands of the
antitypical Cyrus, Christ. R4901:6
Numbered -- The days of your rule have been numbered
by God. SM411:T, HG713:4
Finished it -- The limit of the time of your dominion has
expired. HG520:1
The spirit of the world has so fully taken possession of the
ecclesiastical powers of Christendom that reformation of the
systems is impossible and individuals can only escape by a
prompt and timely withdrawal. D42
We should not look for light where little remains but the
fading reflections of a former glory. R5993:6
Thou art weighed -- God does actually balance and weigh
the conduct of people. While grace is the basis of his dealing,
it is dispensed according to certain principles. R3633:4
Judgment is being laid to the line and righteousness to the
plummet. (Isa. 28:17) R5989:1
In the balances -- Both the heathen and the masses of
Christendom take up the golden rule and the law of love
wherewith to measure the doctrines, institutions, policy and
general course of Christendom. D97
Found wanting -- Later Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome
would be given a trial. Each of these has proven its
insufficiency--its inability to bring the blessings of Messiah's
reign. R4902:1
PERES -- Of which Upharsin is the plural. Nothing in the
word signifies Medes and Persians, but Daniel knew the
prophecy and that they were already besieging the city.
R2498:2
Third ruler -- After the government was transferred to the
hands of Cyrus, the honored Jew, Daniel, found in a position
of trust, was made an officer in the new government of Medo-Persia. R3633:3
It is to Belshazzar's credit that he so honored Daniel.
R3633:3, R2498:2
In that night -- Thus did great Babylon fall suddenly--"in
one hour." (Rev. 18:19) R2498:3
Soon--quickly--great Babylon will be cast as a mighty
millstone into the sea. HG713:4
Slain -- So far from destroying all the rulers of Babylon,
including Daniel, Darius apparently spared all but the king
alive, and gave Daniel a very high position in the empire.
R2501:1
Darius the Median -- It would appear that Cyrus was in
some respects the chief, yet that Darius was the representative
of authority in Babylon for a time, and that upon his death
Cyrus became sole emperor. R2509:3
He may have been Cyrus the Mede. R3638:3
Typifying The Christ in the time of trouble in the end of the
Gospel age. R2498:4; HG520:6
Took the kingdom -- The River Euphrates flowed through
the center of Babylon under enormous gates of brass. Cyrus
diverted its waters and marched his troops under the gates
into the city. R2498:2, R509:6*, R3632:6; PD51/62;
SM410:3; HG520:2
As literal Babylon sat upon the literal River Euphrates, mystic
Babylon is said to sit upon the waters, peoples. As the literal
city was captured by the diversion of the waters, so symbolic
Babylon will fall by the diversion of the symbolic Euphrates:
"And the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings
of the east might be prepared." (Rev. 16:12) R2498:4,
R510:1*; HG520:5
"Without fighting," as the tablets declare. R2498:3
So complete was the destruction of that great city that even its
site was forgotten and was for a long time uncertain. D25
The wonderful prophecies which speak of the fall of Babylon
(Isa. 14:22; Jer. 50 & 51) were not wholly fulfilled by Cyrus
the Persian. R2498:3
It pleased Darius -- Identified with the Cyrus of secular
and Biblical history. R3638:3
Possibly Darius was merely an official title of Cyrus; or,
Darius may have been vicegerent of Cyrus in Babylon.
R3638:3
The whole kingdom -- The entire civilized world. R3638:6
Daniel was first -- At this time Daniel was an old man.
R4874:3
Honored as the most competent and trustworthy. R3639:1,
R2502:1
God's dealings with spiritual Israel are different. Our rewards
for faithfulness are spiritual; joint-heirship with our Lord in
the heavenly Kingdom. R3633:5
Their desire to have such a man of high repute in authority
seems to evidence good intentions in their governing of the
world. R4875:1
Have no damage -- No doubt he stood in the way of many
schemes for the plundering of the treasury. R2501:2,
R4875:2
Was preferred -- Because of his honesty and opposition to
unjust practices. R3639:1, R4875:1
A compliment in recognition of his ability, indicating the
king's breadth of mind. R4875:1
Sought to find -- Envy and hatred are set down in the
Word of God as works of the flesh and of the devil,
antagonistic to everything that is good and right and approved
of the Lord. R3639:3
Against Daniel -- He was sure to have a host of secret
enemies. R2501:2; PD52/62
Because he interfered with their schemes of graft. R3639:2
"All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution, (2 Tim. 3:12) "Because ye are not of the world
... the world hateth you." (John 15:19) R2501:2
Could find none occasion -- Oh, that every Christian
would live as high above the world's standards as did Daniel;
that their enemies might have no grounds for charges except
those to their credit. R4875:5
Nor fault -- Nothing that they could bring against him as a
real charge or crime. R3639:2
Law of his God -- They knew that Daniel's religion lay at
the foundation of his entire course in life. R4875:2
Not finding any wrong doing in Daniel, they concluded to
entrap him in his well-doing. R3639:5
King Darius -- He, like every other man, was
approachable through flattery. R4875:2, R3639:5
A firm decree -- The king was supposed to be possessed
by Ormuzd, the deity of the empire, so his decrees were
considered infallible and inviolable even by himself.
R2501:4, R3640:4
Suggested as a piece of statecraft, it was a fraud upon the
people. R2501:4
Save of thee -- The kings of ancient times posed as chief
priests and vicegerents of their gods. R3639:5, R4875:2
The claim was that such a recognition would elevate the
dignity of the throne in the minds of the people. R4875:2
Had the decree been different, Daniel's course might have
been different. If it had banned public worship, he might
consistently have worshipped in private. R3640:2
Similarly, the popes of Rome claim to be the vicegerents of
Christ. R3639:5
Flattery and vanity have often been the tools of the Adversary
for the injury of the Lord's people and cause. R3639:5
The false reasoning was of the Jezuitical sort, that an evil or
falsehood is justified if beneficial results are hoped for.
R2501:4
Every leader in the family of God should be on guard against
accepting to himself any credit due to God for the truth or
some ability in presenting it to others. R3639:6
Daniel knew -- He understood that the purpose of it was to
entrap him. R3640:2
That if God would not deliver him now he would, in his own
good time and way, grant him a still more glorious
deliverance. R1409:6
In his chamber -- An upper chamber for quiet, rest and
prayer, reached usually by an outside staircase. R3640:1
Toward Jerusalem -- The typical city of God and its
Temple. R2501:6
Calling to mind the gracious promises respecting the Holy
Land, that it would yet be the center of the whole earth and of
God's holy people. R4875:4
Because Daniel remembered the promise of Israel's return to
Jerusalem after 70 years of desolation. R3640:1, R2501:5
He kneeled -- Unwilling to assume a less humble position
before God than he and others assumed toward earthly kings.
R2501:6
It is impossible for a Christian to maintain a proper walk in
life without regularity in prayer -- we are almost inclined to
say, without kneeling in prayer. R2501:6, R3640:2,
R4875:4
Upon his knees -- Daniel was not satisfied merely to close
his eyes in prayer after he had retired to rest. He was not
ashamed to bow the knee to the Almighty. R2501:6
Daniel's private worship in so public a manner may have been
because to have worshipped in secret might be misunderstood
to mean he did not worship at all. R2501:5
The Lord commended differently to the household of faith:
"When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast
shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret." (Matt.
6:6) R2501:5
Three times a day -- The child of God will desire to
commune with his Creator as surely as he will desire natural
food and drink for the sustenance of his natural body.
R2502:1
And prayed -- He would not sell his conscience and deny
his God; he would not pretend he was praying to Darius.
R3640:2
We should be extremely careful about compromising
conscience. R3640:2
Without communion with his Maker, his faith and his loyalty
to principle could not be maintained in the midst of
corruption. R4875:4
It is impossible to live a consecrated life in neglect of prayer.
R4875:4
As the sharpening of scythes in harvest time does not mean
lost time or energy, so also time spent in prayer is not lost as
respects the affairs of life. R4875:4
The thought of praying in solitude, however, does not
interfere with the thought of family prayers or prayers in the
church, which is the Lord's family circle. R3640:3
Then the king -- His eyes were opened and he beheld the
trap. R3640:4, R4875:5, R2502:2
Displeased -- He was ashamed of the part which he felt
compelled to take. R4875:5
With himself -- These words are lacking from some of the
reliable manuscripts, making the displeasure all the broader to
include the counsellors. R3640:4
May be changed -- A veiled threat of insurrection.
R2502:2
Brought Daniel -- A man whose faithfulness to the Lord
and to principle was so strong in faith that he could go to the
lion's den without fear. R3640:6
Much more, why should we, if faithful and with still greater
light, fear and quake under such circumstances? R3640:6
Into the den -- Probably a lion pit surrounded by high
walls. R3640:5
Servest continually -- Every Christian life should testify to
his own character and faithfulness, and of the God whom he
worships. R2502:2
A stone -- Used for a door, sealed with thongs, the knots of
which were sealed with the king's signet. R4875:5
Probably fastened to its place with an iron bar. R2502:3
Of his lords -- Who were amongst the conspirators--to
prove that it was not tampered with. R2502:3
And went in haste -- It is good to realize that our worldly
friends are watching us to see to what extent our God delivers
us from the difficulties and trials of life's pathway. R3641:2
God, whom thou servest -- The king properly associated
Daniel's faithful service to God with his hope respecting
God's faithfulness to Daniel. R2502:3
Able to deliver -- At present, some who are not of the
consecrated have considerable faith in God and in us as his
children. R3641:2
Sent his angel -- His providences. R2502:5
Any power or agency which God might employ. R2502:4,
R3641:3
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear
him and delivereth them." (Psa. 34:7) R3641:3
The lions' mouths -- Restrained from doing violence to
Daniel. R2502:4, R3641:3
Lions great and small, picturing tests that come to us, threaten
the Lord's people in the present time; but, as illustrated by
Bunyan, they are chained and go only so far, leaving room to
pass between. R3641:1
It is possible for human mouths to do us more harm than the
mouths of wild beasts. R2502:5
God is not less able to send his providences to prevent injury
to his people now. R2502:6
"No lion shall be there." (Isa. 35:9) R3641:1
Have not hurt me -- "Nothing shall hurt nor destroy in all
my holy mountain." (Isa. 11:9) R3641:1
Was found in me -- Haughtiness and bravado are wholly
lacking in the prophet's announcement of the great favor of
God on his behalf. R2502:4
The Lord's people are not to boast of results, but to give the
glory to God. R2502:4
And also before thee -- A conscience "void of offence
toward God and man." (Acts 24:16) R3641:4
No manner of hurt -- Because of his faith and loyalty to
God, Daniel was delivered. R1409:2
It may please the Father to deliver us as he did Daniel, or he
may overrule otherwise as in Stephen's case; but always He
overrules to bless. R2502:6, R3641:3
Into the den -- Making a test as to which were worthy in
the sight of the Lord. R3641:5
Josephus adds, from tradition, that the conspirators claimed
the lions had been previously fed and that the king
demonstrated the matter by having the lions liberally fed
before throwing them into the den where they were speedily
devoured. R2503:1
It is not for us to think of having our enemies devoured, nor to
rejoice over their fall. R3641:5
Those who dig pits for others are likely to fall therein
themselves. R2503:4
Darius wrote -- Declaring his reverence for Jehovah, the
God of Daniel. R2541:3
The reign of Darius -- It would appear that Cyrus was in
some respects the chief, yet that Darius was the representative
of the authority in Babylon for a time, and that upon his death
Cyrus became sole emperor. R2509:3
Cyrus -- As Cyrus, a type of Christ, overthrew Babylon, so
a part of the work of the second advent will be the overthrow
of antitypical Babylon. R5092:3, R2498:4
My vision -- Containing a great political chart of the
world's history. R662:1*
Such visions are sometimes counterfeited by Satan and made
to seem ordinary by cataleptic sleeps and hypnotic trances.
R2033:2
Four winds -- The great time of trouble, also pictured as a
tidal wave, a whirlwind and a great fire. R5863:6; D528
Of the heaven -- The higher, or ruling, powers. R318:3
Upon the great sea -- The restless masses of mankind.
A318
Four great beasts -- Representing the Gentile
governments as ferocious, destructive, beastly and selfish,
from the standpoint of the Lord and his people. A261;
R166:2; PD50/61
Beastly because the base of action for every carnal man is
pure self-interest. R1189:3
Indeed beastly. How perfectly they represent, in their evil
and death-dealing power, their master, the devil. R419:6
The sea -- The masses of mankind, not under religious
restraint. R318:3; A318
First was like a lion -- Babylon. R318:3; A257; Dvi;
OV270:6
The earth -- The people, under or obedient to the ruling
powers. R318:3
Second, like to a bear -- Medo-Persia. R318:3; A257;
Dvi; OV270:6
Three ribs -- Three kingdoms it subdued. HG48:4
Like a leopard -- Greece. R318:3; A257, Dvi; OV270:6
Four wings -- Representing the rapidity of the movements
under Alexander the Great. HG48:4
Alexander's kingdom was divided by his four generals--
Seleucus, Philopater, Antiochus Epiphanes and Ptolemaus
Philomater--and broken into fragments. C27, C28
A fourth beast -- The Roman empire. A257; C76; Dvi;
OV270:6
No descriptive name given, because it was so ferocious and
hideous that none of the beasts of the earth could be
compared with it. A258
The same as the dragon of Rev 12:3 & 13:1,2. R318:3, R420:1
Stamped the residue -- Nothing could withstand its
power. OV83:6
It had ten horns -- The ten divisions of the Roman empire.
A258
Kingdoms. R318:5, R3359:4*
Babylon is represented as being divided into ten different
wards, each of which represents one of the kingdoms of
Christendom, and which corresponds to the ten horns of the
symbolic beast. Compare Rev. 11:13, 13:1 & Dan. 7:7. SM405:4
Corresponding to the ten toes of the image of Dan. 2.
PD50/61; OV83:7; HG20:4; R3359:4*
There came up -- In 539 AD. C76, C95
Another little horn -- The Abomination of Desolation,
the Papacy (Matt. 24:15); that Wicked One (2 Thess. 2:8);
the Man of Sin (2 Thess. 2:3); the Mystery of Iniquity (2Thess. 2:7); the Antichrist (1 John 2:18); the Son of Perdition
(2 Thess. 2:3); the Beast (Rev. 13:1). A258; B271, B272,
B277; C64, C76, C95
Papacy, the Leopard Beast of Rev. 13, containing certain
qualities resembling the first three beasts combining certain
leading characteristics of the preceding empires, uniting them
in the power of the last. R318:3
Representing ecclesiastical power enthroned amid political
power. PD50/61
Before whom -- In 476, 489 and 539 AD, respectively.
C76, C77, C95
There were three -- The Western empire, the Heruli and
the Ostrogoths. (The Western empire was an exarchate of the
Eastern empire.) A258; C76, C77
Lombardy, Romania and Ravenna--since then the church
element has worn the three-crowned hat. HG65:3
Of the first horns -- Powers. C76
Plucked up -- The Western empire by the Heruli, the
Heruli by the Ostrogoths and the Ostrogoths by Justinian on
behalf of the Papacy, which actually held the city and suburbs
of Rome continuously from AD 539. C76-C79
Were eyes -- Representing intelligence and a farsighted
policy. A258; B305
And a mouth -- Representing Papal utterances and claims.
A258; R1732:5
Claiming to be the vicar of Christ. He assumed to speak as
the mouthpiece of God. R388:3*
The power of the Papacy has been that of its mouth, guided
by its knowledge. B305
"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things
... and he opened his mouth in blasphemy." (Rev. 13:5, 6)
"And he shall speak great words against the Most High."
(Dan. 7:25) B305
Speaking great things -- But not saying whether they are
great truths or great untruths. In Revelation also, Papacy is
described and its language quoted without adverse criticism.
R1732:5
Illustrated by the boastful words of Pope Martin V. HG269:6
Making boastful claims. It should not surprise us that God
should ordain, as part of its reward, that it should eat its own
words. R509:6
Till the thrones -- Governments, rulerships. A92
Were cast down -- The thrones of earth will be cast down
and the dominion transferred to the great Prophet and Judge.
R893:2, R2609:1
Head like the pure wool -- Suggestive and symbolic of
venerableness, of knowledge, experience, wisdom. R2826:4
A fiery stream issued -- Symbolic of severe judgments--a
time of trouble. C302; R668:5
During the time when rich men weep and howl (Jas. 5:1-3;
Zeph. 1:18); when the nations are angry (Rev. 11:18); when
the stone smites the feet of the image (Dan. 2:34); when the
kings of the earth make war with the lamb (Rev. 19:11-21).
R668:5
Thousand thousands -- Not only of his saints, but of
numerous other agents and agencies. C302
Times ten thousand -- AU mankind. C302
Judgment was set -- It has already begun upon the
institutions of nominal Christendom and will spread to all the
nations, living and dead. C302
And the books -- Of the divine revelation. C302
Were opened -- Made plain as never before. C302
I beheld then -- After the decree against the Papacy; after
its judgment had begun; after its dominion was gone and it
was powerless longer to crush the Truth and power of the
holy people. C68; A260; HG93:6
Of the great words -- "There was given unto him a mouth
speaking great things." (Rev. 13:5) B305
Illustrated by the claim of infallibility, made in 1870. A259
Which the horn -- Papacy. C64, C76, C95
I beheld even -- That it got no power over the holy saints,
but it did have another effect. C68
Till the beast -- The remnants of governments in the old
Roman empire, represented by its horns. C68; A259
Was slain -- By the rising of the masses. A259
As a result of the misleading influence of Papacy's continued
bombastic utterances, even after its dominion is gone. C68
Signifies the overturn of the civil and religious systems of our
day. OV83:8
His body destroyed -- Their organizations as governments.
OV83:8
Although the nations shall never rise up again, yet the people
who compose the nations shall come forth from the grave to
be blessed by God's kings and priests. R2338:5
The burning flame -- To general anarchy. C68
Utter destruction. R2338:5; A260
The fourth beast will lose dominion and life at once. A260
Rest of the beasts -- Babylon, Persia and Greece. A260
Their dominion -- Universal dominion of earth. A260
Their lives were prolonged -- Sir Isaac Newton observed:
"All the four beasts are still alive, though the dominion of the
first three be taken away." HG74:2
A season and time -- Their lives as nations did not cease
immediately. A260
Not so with the Roman empire, the fourth and last. A260
It will lose dominion and life at once, with all the others.
A260
The Son of man -- Greek: the Son of the man (Adam).
E150, E153
The seed of Adam, through Eve. E152
Does not imply that the life of this Son would come either
through Adam, Abraham, David or Mary. E152
Messiah. E150; SM595:2; R3788:1
The Scriptures identify the Son of Man with the Lord of
Glory and with the 'man Christ Jesus, and with the pre-human
Logos. E150
The Jews understood the term as synonymous with Messiah.
R943:6*, R3788:1
Not in the sense of being a man, but because he was the son
of the man David with whom Jehovah made an everlasting
covenant, perpetuating the throne to him and his seed forever.
R944:1*
With the clouds -- Clouds of trouble. R1796:6
The kingdoms become his when he comes "with the clouds"
and not his coming as the "man of sorrows." HG79:6
Ancient of days -- Jehovah. A261
There was given him -- "Whose right it is." (Ezek. 21:27)
R2609:1; D12
At the end of the Times of the Gentiles. OV115:3; A270
The Christ, Head and Body, complete. A260
By Jehovah, the great King. A261, A308
Dominion -- The present dominion of earth will be
transferred to the great Prophet, Priest, King and Judge.
R2609:1, R893:2
A kingdom -- When he appears in power and great glory.
R2361:1, R4715:1
The Kingdom of God for which we pray, "Thy Kingdom
come." (Matt. 6:10) R1776:5; D429
Should serve him -- At present they do not; they must be
brought by chastisement to submission. R268:5, R592:3,
R409:3
His dominion -- He shall take dominion, associating with
him his faithful followers. R799:1
The winepress of the wrath of God must first be trodden.
R3359:6*
Out of the earth -- At best they are but kingdoms of this
world. A270
The saints -- The Little Flock, the Royal Priesthood.
R1855:3, R2490:2
Under the new rule there will be new rulers. R268:5
Shall take -- Forcibly. D518
Not by poor human efforts. R658:5, R414:5
To "smite in pieces as a potter's vessel," (Psa. 2:9) intimating
that, in some sense, the Lord will take possession of them
before they are completely overthrown. R5631:6
The kingdom -- Dominion. R268:5, R409:3
The fifth universal empire, the Kingdom of God. R307:5,
R1776:5, R2145:1
Under which "all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
(Gen. 12:3; Gen. 28:14) R1195:4
Know the truth -- The nature and length of the dominion.
C67
The fourth beast -- The Roman empire. A257; C76;
PD50/61
And of the other -- The Papacy. C76, C95
Which came up -- In 539 AD. C76
And before whom -- In 476, 489 and 539 AD,
respectively. C76
Three fell -- The Western empire, the Heruli and the
Ostrogoths. A258; C76
Mouth that spake -- Papal system making boastful claims.
R509:6
See also comments on Dan. 7:8.
Judgment -- The judgment against the "thrones" of the
present time follows speedily upon the introduction of the
Millennial reign. R893:2, R2609:1
The saints -- The Little Flock, the Royal Priesthood.
R1855:3, R2490:2
The kingdom -- A strong government, in order to control
the avarice and discontent and to cause the bounties of divine
providence to minister blessings to every creature. R2145:1
"They shall reign with Christ a thousand years." (Rev. 20:6)
R654:6
To bless all the families of the earth; the resurrected dead as
well as those nations then living. R1195:4
Another shall rise -- The beginning of this temporal power
of the popes was gradual, from AD 539, but it was fully
established in AD 800 when Charlemagne, king of France,
was crowned by Pope Leo III. R1093:6
And he -- The Papacy, the Man of Sin. C64; R665:5
Speak great words -- "There was given him a mouth
speaking great things." (Rev. 13:5) B305
Against the most High -- Every tide of the true Christ and
every prophecy describing his future glorious Kingdom, have
been applied by the popes to themselves and their Antichrist
reign. R1093:6; B307
And shall wear out -- By the Confessional, the Inquisition
and by persecutions, such as were inflicted upon the
Waldenses, Albigenses, Wycliffites and Huguenots. B328,
B329, B334-341
To change times -- By establishing the Church in power
before the Lord's time. B310; R5911:3
And laws -- The divine laws, by modifying them to suit his
own schemes. B310; R5911:3
Into his hand -- Like Elijah's three and a half years of
hiding in the wilderness from Queen Jezebel, these
correspond to the 1260 years of the true Church in the
wilderness condition where she had fled from the antitypical
Jezebel. R5857:4
Dividing of time -- In the Bible a "time" is used in the
sense of a year. A symbolic year as used in prophecy is
reckoned on the basis of a lunar year--12 months of 30 days
each, or 360 days--each day representing a year. B89;
CR140:2
Three and a half times or years (360 x 3 1/2 equals 1260
days; symbolic time, 1260 literal years), from 539 to 1799
AD, the period of Papacy's power. C64, C68; R5857:4
There is abundant proof that this is the way God intended us
to calculate symbolic time. (See Rev. 11:2, 3, 9, 12; 12:6, 14)
R389:3*
Away his dominion -- Papacy's dominion, and
ecclesiastical domination in general. D37
To consume -- Gradually from 1799 AD onward. D37;
A259
This was the point and edge of all the preaching of the
Reformation. R307:3
Unto the end -- Showing that the judgment was to sit on
that power and take away its dominion before the end.
HG21:1
Final complete destruction. C50, C95; D37
Kingdom -- This Messianic Kingdom is to be established
to bring mankind back into harmony with the divine
arrangement. R5181:2
The golden age of prophecy. R2361:1
For which our Redeemer taught us to watch and pray.
R1776:5, R1855:2
The fifth universal empire. R307:5
It is the Kingdom of God--the Kingdom of Allah! CR113:3
It is in that Kingdom only that the saints have their
citizenship; it alone they recognize. R318:6
The Church with her Lord is to constitute that Kingdom, and
it cannot be established until the gathering of the elect from
the world has been accomplished. CR21:5
Dominion -- This dominion Jehovah will wrest by force
from the "prince of this world," Satan, and will give it to his
Son, whose Bride will share her Bridegroom's Kingdom.
R5574:1
But they will not need the dominion, having attained the
divine nature. Therefore the Kingdom of earth will be
eternally the portion of perfected mankind. CR426:5
Under the whole heaven -- Under a heavenly or spiritual
ruler. SM502:1
Worldwide. R5181:2
Upon the completion of the election of the saints. R4812:2
Full liberty to do right will be firmly and forever established
by earth's new King. R683:6
Shall be given -- Some of the kingdoms represented in the
Gentile image will be remaining at that time. R5631:5
Transfer will be accomplished in a great time of trouble
which is to end the present world. R5574:1
Is Christ to have dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all
nations should serve him? The same is given to the saints.
R30:6*
When he gives the saints, with Christ their Lord, the heathen
for an inheritance. (Psa. 2:8) R414:5, R658:5
People of the saints -- The Kingdom class will consist
only of our Lord and his "elect" of this Gospel age. D618;
A261
God's faithful ones who suffer now, subject to the powers that
be. R5574:1, R507:2
"The upright (saints) shall have dominion over them in the
morning." (Psa. 49:14, 15) R2600:2
Who are to "dash them (beastly kingdoms) in pieces like a
potter's vessel." (Psa. 2:8, 9) R5631:5
"To execute upon them the judgment written; this honor have
all his saints." (Psa. 149:9) A261
Not by going into earthly politics. R2145:1
Whose kingdom -- The first step in the setting up of this
Kingdom was the raising of the sleeping saints of the Gospel
age. R5631:6
Everlasting -- The Kingdom of earth will be eternally the
portion of perfected mankind. CR426:5
Because being of God's appointment; not by poor human
efforts. R318:6, R414:5, R658:5
And all dominions -- Christ's Kingdom is ultimately to be
something more than a work of grace in the hearts of
believers. A282
Shall serve and obey -- Become subject to Christ. D12
First they must be brought to submission by chastisement.
R592:3
His reign will be "the desire of all nations." (Hag. 2:7)
R5204:4
As New Creatures prove their love for the Lord by suffering
with him now; so the "earthly" must show their love and
obedience to the same Lord when he is reigning with his
saints. R1149:5*
The great horn -- Alexander the Great. C27
Four notable ones -- The four divisions of Alexander's
empire. C27, C31
Ptolemy in Egypt, Seleucus in Asia, Lysimachus in Asia
Minor and Cassander in Macedonia. C31
A little horn -- Civil or Imperial Rome, which rose to
influence upon the ruins of the Macedonian empire and then
underwent a change and became Papal Rome, the
Abomination of Desolation. C27, C64, C95, C98
And it -- The Papacy, the Abomination of Desolation.
C64, C98
Waxed great even to -- To controlling. C96, C98
The host of heaven -- The entire church. C96
And of the stars -- The shining lights. C96, C104
Magnified himself -- In the person of its head, the pope.
C104
Even to the prince -- Even to assuming dignities,
prophecies and titles belonging to Christ Jesus, the true Prince
of the Church. C96
Of the host -- The great mass of the nominal church. C37,
C108
And by him -- And from him, Christ. C96
The daily sacrifice -- The continual sacrifice. C96, C98
Was taken away -- Christ's continual sacrifice was not
actually cancelled or abolished by Papacy, but it was set aside
by the false doctrine of the Mass. C98
Papacy substituted a false or sham sacrifice in the place of the
one everlasting, complete, never-to-be-repeated sacrifice of
Calvary made once for all time. C102
And the place -- And the base. C96
The doctrine of the ransom is the base of the Sanctuary or
holy Temple, the consecrated Church. C103
Of his sanctuary -- The truly consecrated, in the nominal
church. C37, C109
Was cast down -- Was overthrown. C96
By the doctrine of transubstantiation and the sacrifice of the
Mass. This was the center of Luther's attack on the Papacy in
AD 1517. C99, C109
And an host -- And the host, the people. C96
The rejection of Babylon (Christendom) in 1878 was the
rejection of the mass of professors--the "host," thus
distinguished from the Sanctuary or Temple class. C180
Was given him -- Was given over to it. C96, C103
The daily sacrifice -- The continual sacrifice. C96
By reason of -- Through. C96
Cast down the truth -- Together with such of the host and
of the teachers as held fast to the truth and would not unite
with its course of transgression. C104
The daily sacrifice -- The continual sacrifice. C96
The transgression -- The earliest mention of the Mass was
at the Council of Constantinople, AD 381, a date not
particularly referred to in this prophecy. C103
Of desolation -- That maketh desolate. C96
Unto 2300 days -- 2300 literal years, "From the going
forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem"
(Dan. 9:25), 454 BC to 1846 AD, when the Sanctuary class
was separated by the formation of the Evangelical Alliance.
B67; C107, C119
As the seventy weeks, or 490 days (Dan. 9:21-27), were the
forepart of the 2300, their fulfillment shows us where the
2300 began and whether literal or symbolic time was
signified. C107
The work of cleansing the true Church from the defilements
of the Dark Ages culminated in 1846 and was but limited.
R5565:6
The sanctuary -- A nucleus of the "holy people," the
Sanctuary, would become free from the errors of Papacy.
C123
The host was not cleansed, they retained the error; but the
consecrated class, the Sanctuary, renounced the error and
suffered for truth's sake, many even unto death. C109
Be cleansed -- Freed from the traditions of Babylon.
R4334:6
The Great Reformation of the 16th century is the date for the
commencing of the cleansing of the Sanctuary. C108
At a time sufficiently in advance of 1874 to make ready a
people prepared for the Lord, a people in devout expectancy
of his coming. C129
Marking, not the beginning of the cleansing work, but a
period in which it would be, in a measure, finished. C105
Protestant church-state union was the snare by which the
Adversary impeded the cleansing of the Sanctuary, and
reformation and cleansing, for a time, ceased. C111
The cleansed Sanctuary will soon be exalted and filled with
the glory of God. C26
Understand -- Mark well. C96, C105
For at the time -- Because for the time. C96, C105
Of the end -- It cannot be understood sooner and will
terminate then. C105
Shall be the vision -- Is the vision. C96
In a deep sleep -- In amazement. C97
In the last end -- To the end. C97, C105
Of the indignation -- Of these evil predictions. C97,
C105
For at -- For it pertaineth to and shall be fulfilled. C97,
C105
Time appointed -- Appointed time. C97, C105
AD 1799. C129
The end shall be -- Of the end. C97, C105
The dominion of the "Man of Sin" was taken away. C129
Are -- Signifieth. C97
Now that being -- Now that it was. C97
Whereas -- And that. C97
Stood up for it -- Sprang up in its stead, signifieth. C97
Not in his power -- Not with his power. C97
Are come to the full -- Have filled the measure of their
guilt. C97
"For the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." (Gen. 15:16)
C97
A king -- The Papacy, the Abomination of Desolation.
C64, C97
Of fierce -- Impudent or shameless. C97
Dark sentences -- Deep schemes. C97
Shall stand up -- Shall arise. C97
Shall be mighty -- Shall be made mighty. C97
Not by his own power -- Not with his own force. Papacy
strengthened itself by using the force of the various nations of
Europe. C97
Prosper, and practise -- Do more than can be believed.
C97
And shall destroy -- Or corrupt. C97
The mighty -- The mighty ones. C97
The holy people -- Saintly people. C97
Through his policy -- By his cunning skill. C97
Craft to prosper -- Deceit to prosper him. C97
In his hand -- In his power. C97
And by peace -- And by prosperity. C97
Shall also stand up -- As Antichrist. C97
And the vision of -- And that part of the vision concerning.
C97
Evening and the morning -- Or, the "vision of the days,"
giving it the same rendering as in verse 14. HG650:1
Which was told -- That there would be 2300 days to the
cleansing. C97
For it shall be -- For it will be fulfilled. C97
For many days -- For a very long time; not merely for
2300 literal days. C105
And was sick -- Sick at heart by the thought of so many
evils coming upon God's people. C105
None understood it -- None could interpret it. C106
The prophets wrote not for themselves and the people then
living. but for the Gospel Church. R1418:6
Understood by books -- By Jer. 25:11; Jer 29:10 and 2
Chron. 36:20-23. B64, B191
Accomplish seventy years -- We cannot make seventy
years desolation of the land into fifty-one years' desolation for
the sake of harmony with Ptolemy. R3437:3
Desolations of Jerusalem -- Seventy years of desolation,
not of captivity. R1976:1,4, R3437:3
To seek by prayer -- His earnestness and faith in the
promises pleased God, who therefore revealed to him
something more concerning the vision. C106
With fasting -- We have good New Testament precedent
for the observance of literal fasts. R2022:4
For thy great mercies -- Pray, trusting in God's love and
mercy. R5380:5*
For thine own sake -- Pray, pleading God's glory.
R5380:6*, R5381:1*
Speaking, and praying -- Let us be encouraged to pray
always and not to faint when the answers seem to tarry long.
R1866:4
Confessing my sin -- How many prayers are hindered
because the one who asks does not first purify himself.
R1866:4, R2022:5
Speaking in prayer -- Concerning the vision of 2300 days
which Daniel misunderstood to mean a prolongation of the 70
years captivity of fleshly Israel in Babylon. C106
Vision at the beginning -- In the vision of 8:16, referring
him back to that vision. HG88:1
Touched me -- Spiritual beings can appear as common
men with fleshly bodies, as did Christ after his resurrection.
HG29:3
To give thee skill -- To teach thee. C107
And understanding -- That thou mayest understand.
C107
At the beginning -- Not the end, but at the beginning of
our supplications, God begins to shape circumstances to work
out blessings for us. R1866:4
The commandment -- The further declaration of God's
plan, now being communicated. C107
To shew thee -- To tell it. C107
The matter -- This further matter. C107
Consider the vision -- Have understanding of the vision of
the 2300 days. C107
Seventy weeks -- Seventy literal weeks would be 490
days; seventy symbolic weeks would be 490 years. B65;
C107; R600:4
490 years specifically set apart as a period of favor to the
Jewish nation. R4344:2, R2620:5, R2657:5, R4842:2,
R5470:3, R5836:5, R19:6
Ended 3 1/2 years after the death of Christ; after which the
Gospel privileges were open to the Gentiles, Cornelius being
the first convert. R1451:2, R2811:6, R5963:6, R5163:2;
Q150:3
Divine favor to Israelites must and did continue to them down
to the full end of the 70 weeks, although national favor ceased
3 1/2 years earlier, in the midst of the 70th week. R2620:5,
R2931:2, R5963:6
Are determined -- Marked off, cut off, or set apart as a
part of the 2300 days or years. C107; B65
Upon thy people -- Israel. C107; HG66:1
Provided and foretold for "Israelites indeed." R4504:3
Upon thy holy city -- Jerusalem. C107
An end of sins -- "He put away sin by the sacrifice of
himself." (Heb. 9:26) B68
To those whose iniquities were reconciled for by our
Redeemer's sacrifice. R4504:5
Reconciliation -- The iniquities of the Church were
cancelled at the heavenly Mercy Seat when Jesus "ascended
upon high" (Eph. 4:8); unbelievers are still unreconciled.
R4504:5
Complete, from God's standpoint, since Christ's death. R37:2
Does not contradict the plain statement of other Scriptures
that the great work of reconciliation is divided into two parts--
the first for the Church and the second for the world.
R4504:6
Righteousness -- Everlasting justification from sin instead
of the typical yearly justification accomplished by the types
for the typical people, Israel. B68, B65
And to seal up -- To set a seal upon Daniel as a true
prophet, and upon all his prophecies. C107
By making an end of sin and bringing in everlasting
righteousness. R3115:1
By the blood of the covenant. B69
The vision -- Of the 2300 days, by fulfilling the first part
of it. C107
And prophecy -- And the prophet Daniel, by showing him
to be a true prophet. C107
Anoint -- Anointed by the holy Spirit at Pentecost.
R4344:3, R4504:3
The most Holy -- The holy remnant of the Jewish nation,
the purest and fittest. B70
Israelites indeed. R4504:3, R5950:6
Know therefore -- The learned might have known the time
of its fulfilment from this prophecy, but for the masses, the
evidence was simply and only the signs of the times. R748:3,
R629:2
The going forth -- 454 BC, according to the chronologies
of Dr. Hale and Dr. Priestlie. B67
Rollins, in his "Ancient History of the Medes and Persians,"
agrees with the date of 454 BC. R3575:4*
1845 years (the length of the Jewish "double") prior to 1391
AD when Hus, the reformer, became acquainted with the
works of Wycliffe and continued the Reformation work.
From the work of Hus in 1391 to the invention of printing in
1440 AD was 49 years, or seven weeks of years. This
explains the peculiar manner in which the 69 weeks are
mentioned in this verse, as "7" and "62." R3575:6*,
R3577:1*
The decree of Cyrus, although issued in BC 536, did not go
forth until the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, but lay concealed
in the treasure house of the kings of Persia. (See Ezra 6:1-3)
HG105:5
The beginning of the 70 weeks was so obscure and indefinite
that the Jews did not know positively when to expect
Messiah. R2132:4
To build Jerusalem -- Not the Temple. B65, B67
To build its walls, in the 20th year of Artaxerxes (Neh. 2:1)
and not the time of Ezra's commission 13 years earlier (Ezra
7:7). R3575:4*; B67
Unto the Messiah -- Signifies "The Anointed." Jesus was
not the Anointed until his baptism. B66; R600:4
While many prophecies combine to fix and confirm the date
of the second coming of Christ, this one alone marked the
date of his first advent. B64
The Prince -- Highly exalted. OV118:4
Seven weeks -- Marked specially events connected with
the Temple. R2811:6
Threescore and two -- Totaling 69 weeks of years, or 483
years, ending Autumn 29 AD. B66
Reaching to the baptism of Jesus where he was Christ-ened,
or more properly, in English, Anointed, manifest as the
Messiah. R47:2*
When Jesus was baptized in Jordan; at the beginning of the
last seven years of that period. R189:5, R4344:2
In troublous times -- Under unfavorable circumstances, as
recorded by Nehemiah. (Neh. 4) B65
And after -- But not immediately after, R47:2*
Three and one-half years after. B68
Threescore and two -- (Seven) and 62, or 69 weeks, 483
years. B67
The end of the 62 weeks following the first seven was to mark
Messiah's appearance. R2811:6
Messiah be cut off -- Be slain (Douay), die. B68;
R271:6, R562:4, R600:4, R3630:2
In the middle of the last seven years. R4344:3, R3630:2;
Q107:2
"He was cut off out of the land of the living; (not for himself)
for the transgression of my people was he stricken." (Isa.
53:8) R47:2*
But not for himself -- Not for his own sins. R4344:3,
R1359:4
"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. (1 Cor.
15:3) R393:4, R271:6
"He was wounded for our transgressions." (Isa. 53:5)
R600:4, R1359:4, R1394:5
"The just for the unjust." (1 Pet. 3:18) R1359:4
One of the many prophecies which indicate that the Bible is a
divine revelation. A58
Variously rendered in other translations, but in our opinion,
the Authorized Version is the clearest and best rendering.
B68
Of the prince -- Titus, the Roman General. B63
Be with a flood -- Like a flood. B71
And he -- Messiah, Christ. B63; R197:5, R1359:4,
R1394:5, R2931:2, R5163:1
Confirm the covenant -- Seventy weeks' agreement.
R600:4, R2657:5; Q195:2
The disciples were not suffered to preach to the world in
general until the seven years of harvest work to that Jewish
people was fully accomplished. R263:6, R600:4
It was in the last half of the 70th week, three and a half years
after the cross, that the great work was done amongst the
Jews. Q107:2
With many -- Individuals of the castoff system. Thus
Jesus, telling his disciples to preach to "all nations," was
particular to add, "beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47)
C170
During the remaining three and a half years the favor was
increased, though confined to the remnant, the most holy, the
purest, or fittest, whom alone could benefit. B70
For one week -- Seven years. R263:6, R289:4, R562:4,
R2811:6, R5163:2
The entire "seventieth week," from the beginning of our
Lord's ministry until Cornelius, was set apart by God's
arrangement for the Jewish trial. C170
The 70th or last week of the covenant of favor, from the
beginning of our Lord's ministry, October AD 29, to the
conversion of Cornelius, October AD 36, 3 1/2 years after
Christ's death. B58, B63, B71; R5163:2, R189:6,
R1451:2, R5048:6, R5470:3, R5836:5, R4344:3; Q195:2;
HG117:5, HG354:5
Seven years of favor-trial and separation of "Israelites indeed"
from nominal Israel; a parallel of the trial and separation of
the Christians indeed (entirely consecrated) from the nominal
church of professors. R247:5, R2811:6
Furnishing a typical representation of a similar testing of the
nominal gospel church during seven corresponding years from
1874 to 1881 AD. C171, C216; B235; Q150:2-4, Q156:1-3
And In the midst -- After 3 1/2 years. B68; R2811:6,
R2931:2
His death, at the Passover, about April I would place his birth
thirty three and a half years earlier, in the month of October.
B58
Of the week -- Of the 70th week, 3 1/2 years before its full
end in 36 AD. C108; R4842:2
He shall cause -- By introducing the better sacrifice. B65
The sacrifice -- The typical sacrifices of the Law. B68
Oblation to cease -- When the true sacrifice had been
made, the typical ones were no lonqer recognized. A223;
B65, B68; R5163:3, R271:6, R189:5
And for -- Or, because of. B64
The overspreading -- Because abominations would
prevail. D571
Abominations -- Fleshly Israel's religion became an
abomination after their repudiation of Christ. D571
He shall -- Messiah shall. B64
Make it desolate -- The termination of God's special
exclusive favor to Israel, marked by the spirit-begetting of
Cornelius. R4344:3
"Wrath is come upon them to the uttermost." (1 Thes. 2:10)
R1702:2
Secular history estimates the trouble that came upon Israel
within 40 years of our Lord's death as the most awful that had
thus far occured amongst men. R1702:2, R2787:3
The consummation -- Or completion, the full end of the
Jewish "double" or period of disfavor. B64, B71
Or, utter destruction. R5950:6
Seven years of favor was followed by 33 years of trouble,
called fire; paralleled by seven years to 1881 AD, followed by
trouble, called "fire," which will consume the dross of
Babylon and purify God's children in and contaminated by
her. R289:5
And that determined -- And that which is determined in
God's plan. B64; D571
Until all that God had predetermined shall be accomplished.
R5950:6
Upon the desolate -- Or, cast off people. B72
The desolate people, the rejected nation, represented by
Jerusalem. B64; D571
Mourning three full weeks -- Because of his inability to
understand. R1866:4
No pleasant bread -- Representing self-denial and
deadness to the world, which should be the attitude of all true
believers at all times. R2022:4
A certain man -- An angel in his glorious spirit body.
A183
An angel can also assume a human body of flesh. R1952:3
Body -- A spiritual body, as described here and in Rev.
1:13-15, is very nice; and we shall be "fashioned like unto his
(Christ's) glorious body." (Phil. 3:21) R119:6, R315:6*
Like the beryl -- Spiritual bodies are glorious in their
normal condition. R18:3, R261:6, R579:1; HG28:6
Eyes as lamps -- Expressive of their piercing brightness.
"The Lord seeth not as man seeth." (1 Sam. 16:7) R388:6*
Polished brass -- Fine brass, as it burns in a furnace, so
bright that you can scarcely look at it. R18:4, R261:6
I Daniel alone saw -- Without a miracle, either by opening
our eyes to see them, or their appearing in the flesh as men,
spiritual bodies are invisible. R579:1, R18:4, R262:1; A183
No strength in me -- Had our Lord appeared after his
resurrection in the glory of the spirit body, the glory would
have been greater than the witnesses could have borne. B124
Toward the ground -- Daniel fell as a dead man. R18:4,
R261:6
Man greatly beloved -- Margin: "man of desires."
R2022:4
From the first day -- Not the end of the third week.
R1866:4
At the beginning of our supplications God begins to shape
circumstances to work out the intended blessing for us.
R1866:4
"Before they call (reading the desire of the heart even before
it finds expression in words) I will answer (begin to shape
events to bring the answer sooner or later); and while they are
yet speaking I will hear." (Isa. 65:23, 24) R1866:5
To chasten thyself -- Sought, by the practice of self-denial,
to bring himself into a special condition of heart and
mind pleasing to God. R2022:4
How many prayers are not heard, or are hindered, because the
one who asks does not first purify himself of evil in his own
heart? R1866:5
Withstood me -- Either invisibly present with him, or else
appearing as a man. R579:1, R262:1, R18:4; A184
But, lo, Michael -- Christ. D414
The superior of Gabriel. R490:4
Knowest thou -- Or, Thou knowest. HG61:6
And the fourth -- Darius 111, Codomanus. C26
A mighty king -- Alexander the Great of Greece. C26
Shall rule -- Alexander conquered the world in the short
period of 13 years. C27
With great dominion -- The High Priest of Israel showed
Alexander this prophecy and interpreted it to foreshow that
the Persian power should be overthrown by Alexander. C27
The four winds -- Among his four Generals: Ptolemy in
Egypt, Seleucus in Asia, Lysimachus in Asia Minor and
Cassander in Macedonia. C27, C31
King of the south -- Egypt. C27
King of the north -- The Grecians, and afterwards, the
Romans. C27
Not an individual monarch, but the Roman empire's
representative. C32
To establish -- To seemingly fulfil. C25
Daughter of women -- Cleopatra. C28
After this -- The following verses merely touch prominent
characters down to Papacy and then, identifying it, pass on to
the end of its power to persecute, and a detailed account of
Napoleon Bonaparte. C28
Then he -- Mark Antony. C29
A raiser of taxes -- "Caesar Augustus sent forth a decree
that all the world should be taxed." (Luke 2:1) C29
Augustus was the first ruler to introduce to the world a
systematized taxation. C29
In the glory -- The most glorious epoch, Rome's "Golden
Age." C29
Another translation reads, "the glorious land of the kingdom,"
applying specially to Palestine and fitting in exactly with the
record in Luke 2:1. C29
Of the kingdom -- The Roman empire. C29
But within few days -- Within a few years after he reached
the zenith of his power. C29
Nor in battle -- Augustus died a quiet death, whereas his
predecessor and his seven successors in imperial power died
violent deaths. C29
A vile person -- Tiberius, a cruel, sensual, despicable
tyrant. C30
Shall they -- All opposers. C30
Be overflown -- Be swept away. C30
Also the prince -- Christ Jesus. C30, C126
Made with him -- The Senate recognized him as Emperor.
C30
With a small people -- The Praetorian Guards, 10,000
picked troops organized by Tiberius and kept by him
continually at Rome to overawe the people and Senate and
abolish elections and assemblies. C30
He shall scatter -- Divide. C31
Among them -- Among local governors. C31
The prey, and spoil -- Of the countries tributary to Rome.
C31
And he -- Aurelian, Emperor of Rome in the days of
Zenobia, 272 AD. C33, C32
King of the south -- Egypt. C32
Forecast devices -- Treacherously devise plans. C32
Shall destroy him -- Aurelian was assassinated by his own Generals. C34,
Shall overflow -- His army was successful. C34
Both these kings' -- Imperial power slowly dying and
clerical power slowly coming to life and ambition. C34
But it -- The league of the clergy and the civil power. C35
Shall not prosper -- Then, in Aurelian's time. C35
Even Constantine was hindered by the temper of the people
from accomplishing at once and as rapidly as was desired a
union of the forces of church and state. C35
For yet -- "Because as yet the end is unto another time."
The union between clergy and civil power could not prosper
because the 1260 years, counted from that date, would bring
the end too soon. C34
The end -- Of the 1260 years of papal persecution. C35
The time appointed -- In 1799 A.D., and could not,
therefore, have begun in Aurelian's day as it would then have
terminated before the time appointed. C35
Then shall he -- Aurelian, after the overthrow of Zenobia.
C33
Return into his land -- Rome. C33
With great riches -- Zenobia was confined in fetters of
gold and nearly fainted under the weight of jewels when led
captive into Rome. C33
Shall be against -- Aurelian ascribed his victory over
Zenobia to the sun. As the Christian deemed the sun
unworthy of worship, it is presumed that their refusal to
participate in this sun-worship provoked his sudden and
violent opposition. C34
The holy covenant -- Christianity. Aurelian, on his return,
began a persecution of all Christians. C34
At -- This verse and the verse following should be in
parenthesis. C35, C46
The time appointed -- The Time of the End. C46
He -- Napoleon. C47
Shall return -- Verses 25 to 28 refer to a previous invasion
of Egypt, verses 29 and 30 intimating that the next great
invasion of Egypt would be at the Time of the End. C46
And come toward -- And invade. C47
The south -- Egypt. C47
It shall not be -- Not be as great a victory as. C47
The former -- Invasion against Cleopatra. C47
Or as the latter -- Invasion against Zenobia. C47
For -- The reason Napoleon's invasion of Egypt was not as
successful as were other invasions was because. C47
Ships of Chittim -- Of the Romans. England was once a
part of the Roman empire, against the fragments of which
Napoleon at this time was fighting. C47
The holy covenant -- The truth, by establishing the
Concordat with the Pope. C47
So shall he do -- And he shall succeed. C47
Shall even return -- Change about. C47
Have intelligence -- Devise, scheme, operate. C47
With them -- Against them. C47
That forsake -- That have forsaken the apostate church in
Rome. C47
Taking away, not only Charlemagne's gifts of territory 1000
years after they were made; but afterward Papacy's civil
jurisdiction in Rome, which was actually recognized from AD
539, 1260 years before AD 1799. C58
And arms -- Strong ones (Young's translation); heady
ones. C36
Stand on his part -- Stand up out of him, out of the
Papacy. C36, C64
They shall pollute -- Undermine, defile. C36, C25
Sanctuary of strength -- Both the sacred precincts of civil
authority, undermined by those in the church who sought for
present dominion; and the sanctuary of God, the Church,
defiled and degraded by the ambitions of these strong ones.
C36
The daily sacrifice -- The continual sacrifice, Christ's
sacrifice. This does not refer to the interruption of the
Temple worship by Antiochus Epiphanes. C25, C36;
R1484:3
They shall place -- 539 AD is the point in time from
which we should reckon the Desolating Abomination set up.
C76
The Papacy in embryo schemed to set itself up in power as a
sacerdotal empire. C36
The abomination -- The central item of this prophecy of
Dan. 11. C25
That Wicked One (2 Thes. 2:8); the Man of Sin (2 Thes.
2:3); the Mystery of Iniquity (2 Thes. 2:7); the Antichrist (1John 2:18); the Son of Perdition (2 Thes. 2:3); the Little Horn
(Dan. 7:8); the Papacy (Matt. 24:15). B271, B272, B277;
C64, C76; A258
Particularly its doctrine of transubstantiation and the sacrifice
of the Mass, supplemented in our day by various theories of
self-atonement. C36; D572; F471
The sacrifice of the Mass--a gross error introduced about the
third century. R3750:3, R1484:3, R2822:6
That maketh desolate -- The result of its overspreading
influence would be the desolation of rejected Christendom.
D571
By turning people away from the one atonement sacrifice for
sins and having their gaze attracted to the priest, the Mass, the
blessings and the holy water. R3750:4; C36
And such -- Of the reformers and the reform movements.
D31
Of the host class. C37
The covenant -- Their covenant with the Lord. C37
Shall he -- The Papacy. C37
By flatteries -- Honors, titles, etc. C37
But the people -- The Sanctuary class. C37
Do know their God -- His character and plan. R2570:1
Shall be strong -- Valiant; strengthened by persecution.
R2570:1; C37
And they -- The Reformers at the end of the Dark Ages.
B357
Shall instruct many -- That the Papacy is the Antichrist,
the Man of Sin. C37
Yet they -- Those who oppose the Papacy, the faithful few.
C37
Days -- Here another parenthesis of verse 34 and part of
verse 35 interrupts, until the phrase "to the time of the end,
because it is yet (future) for a time appointed." C38
Although the length of this persecution is not here stated, we
learn from other scriptures that it is 1260 years, ending in
1799 AD. C38
Now when they -- The true Church. OV417:1
Shall fall -- When falling, in the 16th century, before the
end of Papacy's power. C38; B357; R5911:4
God granted a little help to those falling because of fidelity to
his Word; notwithstanding some would fall through
persecutions. C38
With a little help -- The Reformation movement. C38;
OV417:1; B357
The teachings of a few saintly ones gained sufficient headway
to bring about the Reformation. R5911:4
But many -- Kings and princes; tares. C38, C154
Shall cleave to them -- To Protestantism; to the wheat.
C38, C154
With flatteries -- Honors and titles; promises of help and
success if they would shape their courses according to the
wisdom of this world. C37, C110
Succumbing, in a considerable degree, to the desire to gain
power and influence among the nations. R5911:4
Receiving the favor of the world at the expense of their virtue,
their fidelity to Christ. D31
It was flattery of the leaders of the great Reformation that
stayed the progress of that good work and caused many to fall
from their steadfastness. R1895:2
The kings and princes offered their backing in return for
support of their kingdoms. OV417:1
Overcome by flatteries, each reform movement, after
accomplishing a measure of cleansing, stopped short. D31
No marks or badges of distinction or flattering homage may
be tolerated in the Body of Christ. R1895:2
Had the reformers and their descendants continued faithful to
the truth and not succumbed to flatteries, God's grand design
might have been accomplished through their honored
instrumentality. C50
Of understanding -- Leaders, reformers, teachers, who
had been able to instruct many concerning Papacy's errors.
C38
Shall fall -- Flattery caused many to fall; but let it not be
so among us. R1895:2
From being leaders of reform they became leaders into
temptation. C48
"A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right
hand." (Psa. 91:7) R414:6
To try them -- The faithful few. C38
The checking of the reform movement served, as Papacy's
error had done, to further test the saints, to prove whether
they were really followers of men or of God. C48
And to purge -- Shake loose from all earthly support and
confidence in man's wisdom. R414:6
Make them white -- Verses 34 & 35, down to and
including these words, should be in parenthesis. C38
Even to the time -- The fixed time. C25
Of the end -- AD 1799. C38
The overthrow of the Papal dominion in 1798 by the French
Revolution marked the beginning of the "Time of the End"
and opened the way for a multitude of improvements and the
increase of knowledge. R24:5
It is yet -- A full and correct interpretation of the vision
could not be had until the Time of the End. C25
And the king -- Napoleon was not a king, but the term
king is a general one to indicate a powerful ruler. C40
Napoleon, the instrument employed by providence to break
Papacy's power and to begin her torture which will end in
utter destruction at a later date. C39
France had been, of all nations, most faithful and subservient
to Papal authority. Therefore no other nation could have
struck Papacy so stunning and destructive a blow as the
French. C39
To his will -- He was noted for his wilfulness and
determination. C40
Above every god -- Every mighty one. C40
Marvellous things -- Commanding his obedience as a
servant, thus shocking the superstitious of the world. C40
The God of gods -- The ruler of rulers, the Pope, by fining
him ten million dollars, organizing the Papal territory into a
republic and taking a Pope as a prisoner to France. C40,
C42, C56
Shall prosper till -- When Napoleon boldly ignored both
the blessings and the curses of Papacy and yet prospered
phenomenally, he weakened not only Papal influence over
civil governments but also the influence of Protestant systems
in matters civil and political. C49
Until he had accomplished his mission of scourging the
Papacy and breaking its influence over the minds of the
people. C41
Shall be done -- The Pope was brought to the verge of ruin
in 1797 AD, taken prisoner to France in 1798 and died there
the following year. His successor, Pius VII, in 1800, declared
that all, including himself, should obey established
governments. C42
Since AD 1799 there have been separations between empires
and churches, but no new unions. This date marks a new
reformation on a more substantial basis--no less thorough
than that of Luther and his colleagues. C49
God of his fathers -- The Papacy. C42
The desire of women -- Protestant sects. C42
Nor regard any god -- Any ruler. C42
Magnify himself -- Nothing but his own personal ambition
controlled Napoleon. C42
Himself above all -- In opposition to all. C42
But in his estate -- Instead of any of these gods. C42
The God of forces -- Military power. C42
His fathers knew not -- Other great warriors made
acknowledgment to some supernatural powers for victories
achieved; but Napoleon ascribed his success to himself and
his genius. C43
And pleasant things -- The treasures of Europe were taken
to France as spoils of war. C43
In the most strong -- To strengthen his. C43
Holds -- Hold. C43
With a strange god -- With the strange (new) god. C43
Whom he shall -- Whoever will. C43
Acknowledge -- Acknowledge him. C43
And increase -- Him will he give much honor. C43
He shall cause them -- Shall cause such. C43
The land for gain -- Gratis, among his relatives and
favorites. C43
And at the time -- The fixed time. C44
"The time pre-fixed." (Douay) C46
Of the end -- AD 1799. C38, C68
King of the south -- Egypt. C44
Push -- Marking the particular event that is to be
understood as the exact date of the beginning of the Time of
the End--Napoleon's invasion of Egypt from May 1798 to
Oct. 9, 1799. C44
King of the north -- England. C44
Like a whirlwind -- Nelson's attack on the French fleet
was conducted with a degree of vigor never surpassed. C45
And with horsemen -- The Egyptian Mamelukes. C45
With many ships -- The English forces consisted of a navy
under Admiral Nelson. C45
And he -- Napoleon. C45
And pass over -- And pass through victoriously. C45
The glorious land -- Palestine. C45
Children of Ammon -- Napoleon kept to the coast and did
not enter, but passed by these lands. C45
Out of the north -- The second coalition, composed of
England, Russia, Naples, Turkey and Austria. C46
Make away many -- Many nations. C46
Of his palace -- His palatial tents. C45
Holy mountain -- Mt. Tabor, the mount of transfiguration,
where one of his most important battles was fought. C45
Or Mt. Sinai, visited by Napoleon and his scientific corps.
C45
Come to his end -- Death as an exile. C46
None shall help him -- He was forsaken by all. C46
And at that time -- And in that time, "the Time of the
End" (Dan. 12:4), somewhere between 1799 AD and 1914.
C24, C129; D414; R5696:2
At the time of the great earthquake of Rev. 16:18, 19, divine
power will step forward and gather the marshalled hosts to
Armageddon. Dxv; SM236:3; OV275:1
Shall Michael -- A fitting name for him who is the express
image of the Father's person and the representative of his
authority and power. B147
"Who as God," one representing God, Christ Jesus, "The
captain of our salvation." (Heb. 2:10) B145, B147; C62;
D414, D548, Diii; OV269:2; CR139:3; R490:5, R2394:2
The great Messiah, the Archangel, the antitypical
Melchizedec, Priest and King. R4715:3, R5031:2, R4735:6,
R5050:3; CR141:4; SM236:3
The great antitypical Moses, the great antitypical David.
CR137:6
The glorious Messiah, whom the Jews identify with Michael,
the Mohammedans also expect and identify with Mohammed
of the past; and the Freemasons identify with Hiram Abiff,
the great Master Mason. R5031:2, R4715:3; Q422:3,
Q425:3
A god-like Messiah, combining the qualities of Moses (the
great teacher and lawgiver), of David and Solomon (the great
kings), and of Melchizedek (the great priest)--on a bigger
scale--antitypical--and as a spirit being and not a human.
OV109:1, OV115:3; CR137:6
The superior of Gabriel. R490:4
Not the same Michael as mentioned in Rev. 12:7. R55:3,
R306:5
Stand up -- Be present. B149
Stepping upon the scene quietly, without outward show, in
the same manner as he went away. C130
When the lease of earthly power of Gentile governments
terminates in the great time of trouble, Messiah shall stand up
and assume control of earth's affairs; and Gentile governments
shall cease, for all nations shall serve and obey Messiah.
SM478:2
As in Rev. 11:15 and 1 Thes. 4:16, showing Jesus' presence
during the time of trouble. B149
Messiah is about to stand up, clothed with divine power, to
take to himself his great power and reign. R5805:6
Begin his reign. HG314:3
Begin to exercise his power and dominion. R490:5
With power and authority, to accomplish the grand restitution
of all things, offering everlasting life to the dead and dying.
C126
To render judgment. R1308:4
To intercept that trouble, and save mankind from self-destruction
in anarchy. R2394:2
The new King Immanuel has taken the helm of earth's affairs.
R3342:6
Stand forth, at his second advent; assume control; when he
"ariseth to shake terribly the whole earth." (Isa. 2:19) B145,
B147, B149; C62; D579; SM479:T; OV324:1; R1155:6,
R5805:6
The Lord shall manifest to the world his government, his
authority, his rule. R3469:5, R490:5, R1385:5
Our Lord will not have the authority in vain. When he shall
have the authority he shall use it. One of the first works will
be the suppression of evil--the devil and all his institutions.
R3469:5
To give the word of command, permitting the match to be
struck for the great fire that consumes the "earth," "the
elements" and "the course of nature." D548; B147
For the salvation of God's people, for the rectification of error
and wrong, for the establishment of right and truth, to bring to
the world of mankind the great Kingdom of God. Diii;
OV269:2
He will be on the side of the masses. OV275:2; SM236:3
The great prince -- Archangel. (Jude 7) R152:6; HG80:6
The leader and commander of the people. R2394:2
Jehovah's chief messenger, the Lord of glory. R490:5
As the name Michael indicates, God's representative; the
"prince of the covenant." (Dan. 11:22) C126
For the children -- He will stand up for Israel; he will
stand up for the Church, which is his Body; and he will stand
up for all who are in harmony with God, and all who will be
in harmony with God. R5050:3
Of thy people -- For the deliverance of Israel first and,
subsequently, of all the families of the earth--from every
vestige of bondage, including eventually the bondage of
death. OV102:2
If "thy people" of Dan. 9:24 belongs exclusively to the Jews,
it is exceedingly arbitrary to say " thy people" of Dan. 12 has
no reference to the Jewish nation. HG66:1
And there shall be -- Not the peaceable conversion of the
world. B101
Not by Peace Conventions and Peace Treaties. R5554:2
In the close of this Harvest time. R3228:4
Because the wise of the earth do not fully submit themselves
to absolute justice and truth, and princes do not turn from the
grasping of power to the enlightenment and uplifting of the
people. SM696:T; OV102:1
Occasioned in great measure by the growth of infidelity and
Spiritism. A239
THE CAUSE --
A time of trouble -- The cause: manifestations of divine
justice and opposition to sin and all iniquity. The results: the
world's realization that they need a Mediator. OV286:3
The beginning of the judgment of the living nations. B145
The trouble and shaking of the Church, to shake out of
profession of faith all who are not really saints, is because the
election of the Church is almost complete. R1308:4
General infidelity among the masses will pave the way for
socialism and, finally, for anarchy--which, as the fire of the
great Day of God Almighty, shall sweep all before it into the
greatest time of trouble the world has ever known. R1198:4,
R1983:1, R4955:5; OV186:4; HG499:4, HG518:4
Not a repetition of history, but a stupendous reversal of
history brought on by the new conditions of many running to
and fro and knowledge being increased. D414
As the direct result of the blessings and increased
enlightenment of our day. R2971:4, R1142:3
As a result of the running to and fro and the increase of
knowledge, bringing increased dissatisfactions. R2394:2,
R3898:5; R5364:1; A337; Di; HG317:1
The knowledge causes the trouble because of the depravity of
the race. A170
The world's greatest blessing--knowledge--is becoming its
greatest bane. OV62:T, OV148:T
To be precipitated by the conflict of interests of the
aristocracy and the masses. R5448:6, R1690:3, R4795:5,
R5516:4, R5112:4, R1776:5, R3107:6; Q769:3, Q849:T;
A325, A335; OV321:2
In which no nation can claim God's care and protection.
R1561:6
The outcome of human selfishness, providentially delayed
until the due time. SM266:1, SM160:1; OV186:4; A332
Describing the binding of Satan and the overthrow of the
reign of sin. HG234:1
The Adversary may have had much to do with the movements
toward communism, socialism and anarchism which will tend
to bring on the time of trouble. R5061:4; Q579:4
The race question will evidently have its part in this mighty
conflict. The Adversary is seeking to stir up strife between
the Negroes and the whites which can result in no good to
either. HG515:5
When the four winds, the fallen angels, will become loose.
R5318:4, R5470:4
Evil spirits intruding upon the minds of men. R4311:3,
R5318:4, R5470:4
"Watch ... that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all
these things." (Luke 21:36) R1952:4
Accomplished by the Lord allowing present institutions to
"run amuck," to overthrow themselves. SM15:1
The storm clouds have been gathering since 1874. R1243:1
A time of anarchy brought on by neglect of the golden rule.
R2313:6, R3107:6, R3228:4, R4735:2, R4955:5, R1519:2,
R4857:2; OV148:T, OV341:2; SM453:3, SM266:1; B78;
PD94/108
Anarchy, born of fear and despair, and not of a love of
lawlessness. R2869:4
Rendering satisfaction for wilful sin, the squaring of God's
accounts with the world preparatory to handing the Kingdom
over to Messiah for the blessing of all. OV346:1; R5240:2
As a satisfaction for wilful sin, for all the righteous blood
shed from the time of Abel down to the present. R5240:2
SEVERITY OF THE TIME OF TROUBLE --
A revolution--short, sharp, terrible--in which the social earth
shall melt and the ecclesiastical heavens pass away with a
great commotion. HG639:5
It will be short. But it will last long enough to teach humanity
a lesson never to be forgotten--that God and his arrangements
must stand first and be obeyed if blessings are sought.
OV321:3
The greatest revolution the world has ever seen; not
bloodless, at the ballot box, but by a "time of trouble."
R1385:5, R1563:6; A307
Nobody wants this trouble, everybody will be injured by it,
and yet everybody is rushing toward it--both the aristocracy
and the masses, goaded on by fear. R5448:6
The beginning of the purgatorial fire of the Day of the Lord.
R1470:3
A parallel of the severe trouble at the end of the Jewish
dispensation, but vastly larger. R5469:5, R5240:2, R1702:4,
R4891:5, R5019:1; B219; C126; D48; F445
There will be no peaceable conversion of the nations. B101
Variously pictured as a whirlwind, (Jer. 23:19) a fire,
(Zeph.3:8) a tempest, (Isa. 29:6) a flood. (Nahum 1:7, 8)
R4997:4, R5863:6; HG401:1; Div, D527
"The Day of Vengeance." (Isa. 63:4, Isa. 34:8) D11
In connection with the quakings of society and the
overturning of kingdoms, we may expect an increase of wars,
pestilences, earthquakes and famines. R879:2
A baptism of fire (trouble), which some mistakenly pray for.
F445
Compared with which even the French Revolution will be
small. C62
Will consume religious, political and financial institutions.
R2971:4, R622:4, R1198:4, R5364:1; SM512:T
"I will shake all nations." (Hag. 2:7) R3053:1
When the winepress of the wrath of God overflows.
OV126:3; R4755:6
In which the tare class will be terminated. R3771:4,
R4636:4; C146; F445
The present terrible war (1914) is not the great time of trouble
in the fullest sense of the word, but merely its forerunner.
The great time of trouble will be brought on by anarchy, the
general uprising of the people. R5526:3; OV341:2
The great trouble of Rev. 13:15-17 will not be the world's
trouble, the anarchy which will cause the "earth" society to
melt with fervent heat. R3437:1
We are not to expect the interposition of the Lord's power to
stop it until mankind shall have been humbled to the dust and
shall call upon the name of the Lord in great trepidation.
R5852:5
"Every man's hand against his neighbor." (Zech. 8:10, Zech.
14:13) R5516:4, R5526:3, R2313:6, R1243:1; OV341:2;
SM266:1, SM735:T
It will also mean a time of fiery trial to the household of faith,
with whom it begins. R5268:5, R4311:3; B361
The perplexity of the people will increase with greater stress--
financial and social. R5697:3
The Kingdom of Messiah will be born in a time of terrible
travail, but the glorious results will more than compensate.
Cv
RELATIONSHIP TO MESSIAH'S KINGDOM AND REIGN --
The outward sign by which the world will know that Messiah
has accepted his throne. CR291:4; R5680:6, R5269:2
Showing that Christ has taken his great power and begun his
reign. R5523:1; OV321:3
Ushering in the new dispensation. R5092:6, R4149:4;
SM411:2, SM160:T
Inaugurating Messiah's Kingdom. R5753:1, R5765:6,
R4353:3, R5554:2; HG415:1; SM104:1, R511:3
During which the present ruling powers under Satan shall
give place to the Kingdom of God under Christ and his
Church. R1377:3
Describing the period of transition from Gentile supremacy to
Messiah's Kingdom. R5564:1, R5399:6
The first work of Christ's reign will be the smiting of the earth
"with the rod of his mouth" (Isa. 11:4), the truth. R1352:2
Ending the Gospel age and its Harvest, and introducing the
Millennial Kingdom. R5053:1, R2564:4, R436:4, R5019:1,
R4891:5, R5554:2, R1385:5, R1423:1
WHEN DOES IT START --
"The morning cometh, and also the night." (Isa. 21:12) The
morning is here, but there will be a great storm of trouble
before its full splendor of Millennial brightness. R4149:4
When the last member of the Body of Christ has passed
beyond the veil and the "salt of the earth" is gone. (Matt.
5:13) R5173:3; D548
The latter part of the great battle--day which began in AD
1874. R1969:5
Delayed, in part, because of the dispersion and the language
barriers introduced at the Tower of Babel. R5161:2
Not yet come, but near, even at the door (1905). R3630:3
This time of trouble will not begin nor end in 1914. It may be
beginning now (1905). There may be beginnings now, but
these are only leading up to the real trouble. Q71:2
Not expected before 1914 AD. R4671:4, R4699:2,
R4857:2; SM162:1; HG417:2, HG676:1; C211
The terrible Armageddon which will follow the present war
(1914). SM412:3; Diii; Q769:2; R5516:4
We are in the beginning of the time of trouble (1915).
R5619:5*, R5680:6, R5864:4
Which has begun. Bix; R5864:4, R490:6, R3342:6;
OV346:1; HG62:4
The first step in banishing all evil conditions. R1592:4
EFFECTS ON TRUE AND NOMINAL CHURCH AND THE WORLD --
Including the tribulations upon Babylon. SM411:2
While there will be trouble in the outside heathen nations
also, the trouble will specially affect civilized nominal
Christendom--Churchianity. R3771:4
As a part of it, even before its severity, there will be a severe
hour of trial and testing on the truly consecrated Church,
much as it was in the days of Papacy's triumph. B361
We have not yet had "enough" --there is yet a great and final
shaking up of the church and the world to take place. (Heb.
12:26-28) R1155:5, R3052:6
We rejoice not in the trouble, which surely saddens every
tender heart, but in how the world will be prepared by it for a
grand change of government. R5805:6
Let us not unduly emphasize this feature of the divine plan in
presenting matters to our Christian friends of the world; let us
emphasize the goodness of God and the blessings in store.
R5373:6
RELATED SCRIPTURES --
The "dark night" in which the reapers must cease their labors,
proving that the final work of the Gospel age is accomplished.
(John 9:4) C211
The period of dashing the nations to pieces as a potter's
vessel. (Psa. 2:9) SM717:1; OV324:1; HG496:4
Where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matt.
22:13) R4679:5
The "great furnace of fire" (Matt. 13:42) which comes at the
close of the Harvest upon the unworthy tare class. C146
The tribulation of Matt. 24:21, but not that of Matt. 24:9, 29.
R711:3
The "great earthquake" of Rev. 16:18, 19. SM236:2
The "curse" of Elias. (Mal. 4:5, 6) R1538:1, R3120:5;
OV324:1
Such -- So terrible and so general. D540; R5469:2
As never was -- The greatest is at the close of the Gospel
age, though the closing features of the Jewish age were
typical of it. R711:2, R1743:3
Worldwide and not a local disturbance as were the previous
seasons of destruction. Q849:T
Since there is so much that is wrong now, the retribution will
be heavy at first. B138
Because men were never before so responsible. E410
So thorough will be the correction, it will never need to be
repeated. R1519:4; OV321:3
Anarchy at this time would affect mankind more than at any
previous time in history. R5469:2
Accompanied by a ferocity never seen in the past. R5469:3
The shaking, unsettling and incidental trouble. R1305:3
The effect will be so overruled that such a tribulation will
never again be possible. HG417:2
"Unless those days should be shortened no flesh would be
saved, but for the elects' sake, those days will be shortened."
(Matt. 24:21) OV220:7
"No, nor ever shall be." (Matt. 24:21) R3630:3, R5864:4,
R622:4, R5564:1, R5916:1; OV186:4; D540
Thy people -- The twelve tribes. HG82:4.
Daniel's people, the Jews, and with them all desiring to be
God's people. HG457:6, HG 81:1, HG82:4
The worthy of the Patriarchal, Jewish, Gospel and Millennial
ages. C62
Shall be delivered -- Forever freed of enemies. C62
When the time of trouble comes over Christendom, a great
many wealthy Hebrews will want a place of safety--and that
place will be Palestine. CR141:5
Written in the book -- God has an account, a record.
CR139:1; R1893:4; Q537:3
God is making a record of those who are true Jews. CR139:1
Clearly refers, not to John the Revelator's book of life, but to
Ezekiel's "writing of the house of Israel." (Ezek. 13:9)
HG66:2, HG82:4
"The Lamb's book of life." (Rev. 21:27) C62; F666
Them that sleep -- Note that there are two classes-- "thy
people" of verse 1 and "them that sleep" of verse 2. HG82:5
Those who have died. SM544:T; CR139:4; R1377:6,
R2173:1
Including both the good and the bad. E346; SM544:T;
HG228:5
Death is a condition of rest, of quiet, of peaceful
unconsciousness. R5059:6, R4794:2; E346
Since there shall be a resurrection, God speaks of the dead as
asleep, not extinct. OV333:4; R4588:5
In the dust -- Showing where the dead sleep; not in
heaven, not in purgatory, not in a hell of torment. R5060:1,
R4588:6; SM39:T; OV333:4; PD61/72
In the Bible hell--sheol, hades, the tomb, the state of death.
SM39:T; R2173:1, R5133:1
Shall awake -- As a result of the exercise of Michael's
power. R2173:1
In the resurrection morning. E346; R5133:1, R4775:4;
OV139:3
Some -- Two small classes will come forth already
acquitted, justified to life. R1180:1
To everlasting life -- Lasting life in its full perfection.
F716
The Church of glory, in the first resurrection. R5893:3; F666
Like Abraham, their trial is in the past. R3399:3
And some -- Including Alexander, Nero, Napoleon, the
Caesars and the Popes. C62; R4652:4
To shame -- Dishonor, from which, however, they may be
recovered by the restitution processes then put into operation.
F666
Their shame will last until they reform. CR405:6, C350:1;
R2833:2, R5390:2
There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed. R4992:2,
R2331:6
A time in which characters will be shown up. OV209:2;
R2613:4, R4992:2
The persecutors of God's people will be ashamed when they
come forth and realize what they did. R5479:3
Representing those whose trial will take place during the
Millennium. R2198:1
Quite probably, restored men will have considerable power of
mind-reading and intuitive discernment over the imperfect,
occasioning a portion of the shame of the awakened wicked.
R1954:3
When every secret thing is brought into judgment (Eccl.
12:14) many a face will blush and hide itself in confusion
from others. R722:6, R2613:4; F716
The details of their past life will be an open book to the whole
world. R4652:4
Those remembered as brutal and devilish, such as Caligula,
Diocletian, Torquemada, and thousands less notorious may be
expected among the last to be resurrected. R1529:5
Progress on the highway of holiness will purge one from the
"contempt" of his fellows and correspondingly relieve himself
of "shame." F718
Everlasting contempt -- From which they will be obliged
to purge themselves by obedience to the divine requirements
under Messiah's glorious reign of righteousness. R4729:3,
R5167:4
Self-contempt, as they begin to realize their mental and
physical depravity. R2833:1
Which will last just as long as they are contemptible.
R4992:2, R5167:4, R5479:3, R2331:6, R4652:4, R5390:2,
R5893:3; CR405:6, CR350:1; PD61/72; F716
Some few, because of wilful, intelligent opposition to God,
shall never come up to life. R1180:1
It may take centuries for deeply-dyed characters to purge
themselves of this contempt and rise gradually to true nobility
and human perfection, or, failing to do so, to die the Second
Death. R4609:5
The Hebrew text signifies "lasting," not "everlasting."
R5390:2, R5893.3, R4729:3; F716
They that be wise -- The Little Flock, the wise virgins.
A292; F666; R722:6
Those who so thoroughly believe the testimony of God as to
yield themselves fully to his will are wise indeed. R1955:2
Shall -- When righteousness is finally established in the
earth. R1955:5
Of the firmament -- "Then shall the righteous shine forth
as the sun." (Matt. 13:43) A292; C61; F666; R722:6,
R1881:6
They that turn many -- Of this class were the prophets
and other justified faithful ones of past ages; and some others,
such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Confucius, who enjoyed
only the waning light of nature, but were faithful to that little
light. R722:6
Stars -- The "stars of heaven," heavenly rulers--Christ and
his Bride. R4370:2, R1881:6, R2067:4, R3965:3; D594;
CR350:1, CR405:6; HG334:3
Ancient Worthies. R1409:5, R1955:5; A291
Celestials. R3965:3
Whose brilliancy and beauty vary. (1 Cor. 15:41, 42)
R5951:5,3, R3965:3
They will always be bright ones, men and women of special
honor because of their noble efforts to stem the tide of evil
when the full force of the tide was against them. R723:1
And seal the book -- So state matters that they cannot be
understood before the due time. B87
The prophets of old often did not understand their own
utterances, but wrote for the Gospel Church. R1148:3,
R1418:6, R3646:1
It is (now, in the Time of the End) an "open book"--of
unsealed prophecies. (Rev. 10:7) HG79:2
Even to -- Had the knowledge come sooner, the trouble
would have come sooner. A337
Doubtless it would be impossible to understand many of the
deep things pertaining to the Messianic age long in advance of
that period. R5055:1
The time of the end -- The end of the long reign of sin and
death. CR478:1; OV6:3
The closing of this Christian age and the opening of the new
dispensation. OV147:4; PD90/105; Div; R4353:3, 6
The day of God's preparation. (Nah. 2:3) R1258:4,
R2393:2, R2974:2; HG416:3
Which began in 1799 AD. C63; OV147:4; CR477:6;
R1258:4, R5565:3, R2973:4
It follows, therefore, that no one could understand the
prophecy before 1799 AD. C24
An unanswerable argument, proving that this is God's time to
introduce a new order, is the lifting of the veil of ignorance
and the gradual letting in of the light of intelligence and
invention--just as foretold, when foretold and with the results
predicted. A337; B18; Div
Many shall run -- Then many shall run. A168; C63
To and fro -- By means of the "chariots with flaming
torches"--automobiles, trolley-cars and railway trains--which
"rage in the streets and jostle one another in the broad ways."
(Nah. 2:3, 4) Q759:4; OV6:3, OV269:6; Div; R1142:3
The first steamboat was operated in 1807, the first steam
locomotive in 1831, the first telegraph in 1844. C63
By which the various nations, peoples and classes are
intermingled and waked up to the true situation of matters.
R3898:5
Now multitudes run to and fro whose grandfathers probably
never traveled 50 miles from their birthplace. PD90/105
For concluding from this prophecy that sometime men would
travel 50 miles an hour, Voltaire referred to Sir Isaac Newton
as a "poor old dotard." C63; R4825:2; OV61:4
And knowledge -- Born of the travel and commingling and
printing. R4353:6
The telephone was first introduced in the fall of 1877. Two
events took place in the same year which mark the ending of
our age--the introduction of the electric telephone and the
Berlin Treaty. R480:6*
It does not say "capacity" is to be increased. A168
Promised light of divine providence. R5061:1
Including a knowledge of the teachings of the Great Pyramid.
C319
Including a knowledge of God's Word. Nearly all the great
Bible Societies were established between 1803 and 1817.
C51
Apparently the Adversary is trying to run things in his own
direction, but the light itself which we are enjoying today is
the promised light of Divine Providence. Q579:2
The policy of Satan now is to devise plausible counterfeits of
truth to entrap and mislead those who have been making
progress in the knowledge of the divine plan. R1362:6
The light shining more and more unto the perfect day would
not be contradictory, but establish and clarify the truths
already shown, including the times and seasons. R3437:1
Knowledge is a dangerous thing, except for those who are
perfect--and all mankind, through the fall, are imperfect.
OV147:6
The recognition of the Abomination of Desolation as such,
and in its proper place, is a sign of the increase of knowledge--
and an evidence of the Time of the End. R710:6
Shall be increased -- Made general. OV147:5; R1308:4,
R2973:4
The remarkable fulfillment of this prophecy marks our day as
the Time of the End. OV270:1
By means of printing, railroads, telegraphs, etc., and the
intermixture of various peoples and their various ideas.
R1142:3, R5061:4
The Lord kept back the art of printing until the proper time.
SM160:T
Through compulsory education. OV6:3, OV147:5,
OV269:6, OV61:5
The flood of light now illuminating the world is of God.
R1245:2
God is now lifting the curtain of darkness and bringing to
light labor-saving conveniences preparatory to the great reign
of righteousness. HG302:1
It is because God is lifting the veil of ignorance and letting in
the light which is of him, and not by human evolution, that
present progress is attributable. R1258:4
Today there is opportunity for knowledge such as never
before has been known. Div
As the direct result of the mental awakening of man; printing,
steam, electricity and applied mechanics being the agencies.
D312
The world is awakening because it is morning; the Millennial
dawn is breaking. R5363:6, R1362:2
Our great scientists testify that present attainments are as
nothing to what is just at hand. PD90/105
The increase of knowledge has been supplemented by
governmental arrangements for the distribution of that
knowledge amongst the people. R6014:2
Printing has stimulated a greater development of knowledge
along every line within the past century than during the
preceding 59 centuries. PD90/105
God permits circumstances to favor discoveries in the study
of both his Book of Revelation and his Book of Nature. A168
But this knowledge is coming to people who at heart are
unprepared for it. R5363:6
A Russian statesman said that education is the basis of all the
revolutionary spirit amongst the people. Without some
restriction, education is a dangerous thing. To an
unregenerate heart it means power in an unregenerate hand--
which is not always safe. R5565:4
Not sooner, so that man could fully appreciate the curse, and
because such choicest blessings would produce greater evils if
bestowed on those whose hearts are not in accord with the
righteous laws of the universe. A168
Therefore the young have, in many departments of
knowledge, outstripped their seniors. The wise parent will set
an example of childlikeness and be ready to learn from and
with his children along the line of their superior advantage.
R2074:2
Marking the time for the wise of God's people to understand
the Bible. PD77/90
God's Word is abundantly distributed in all civilized lands.
R3609:4
The fact that the divine plan and its times and seasons are
now discernible is strong proof that we are living in the Time
of the End. B19
As a result the "bulls" and "thunders" of Antichrist dare not
be of the same character as previously. R3227:5
The increase of knowledge is responsible for the increase of
discontent and fear which are bringing Armageddon. Di,
D451; R1142:3, R5565:4, R1676:5, R4353:6, R5364:1;
OV148:T
Had the current knowledge on all subjects come sooner, it
would have brought the time of trouble sooner. A337;
OV148:2
Of the river -- Of the flood, the flood of truth, "which the
dragon cast out of his mouth" (Rev. 12:16) at the time of the
French Revolution. C65
On that side -- Showing that, even when the Papal power
to persecute had been ended, some would be in doubt as to
whether its persecuting and crushing power is really at an
end. C68
And one said -- The conversation is recorded, not for
Daniel, but for God's children living during the Time of the
End. C64
Upon the waters -- Above the waters. C64
Of these wonders -- These wonderful perversions of truth,
the deceptions of God's children and the nations of the earth
by the Papacy. C68
Or, strange things. Not the things of verses 1 to 3, relating to
the Kingdom of God, which were strange, but expected; but
the intervening troubles during the age. C67
The "time of trouble" and the "resurrection" of the context.
(verses 1 to 3) HG87:3
It shall be for -- The Time of the End shall be after. C64
Times, and an half -- In the Bible a "time" is used in the
sense of a year. A symbolic year, as used in prophecy, is
reckoned on the basis of a lunar year--12 months of 30 days
each, or 360 days--each day representing a year. B89;
CR140:2
Three and a half times or years (360 x 3 1/2 equals 1260
days; symbolic time --1260 years), the period of Papacy's
power, ending in AD 1799. Compare Dan. 7:25 and Rev. 12:14 with
Rev. 12:6 and Rev 13:5. C64; B91; R319:1, R2978:1, R5565:2, R389:2*
To scatter -- The crushing of the power. C68
The power of the holy people -- The truth. C82
I understood not -- "Holy men of God spake as they were
moved by the holy Spirit." (2 Pet. 1:21) Q787:4
"Not unto themselves, but unto us did they minister." (1 Pet.
1:12) B23
The prophets of old often did not understand their own
utterances, but wrote for the Gospel Church. R1418:6,
R598:3, R349:6*, R1148:3; B23
Even those who walked very closely with God could only
have the light due in their day. R957:2
See comments on Dan. 12:4.
The end of -- Later than (or after). C83
Go thy way, Daniel -- It is useless for you to try to
comprehend the matter now. C82; HG66:5
For the words -- Regarding the entire plan of God,
together with the time features of it. B18
The prophecies concerning Present Truth. R1489:1
Closed up and sealed -- Their meaning is designedly
hidden. E219; R1418:6, R1489:1, R5055:1
The angels, also beloved, could not understand. R218:1
Till -- Not forever, but merely till the present time. D605;
R598:3, R1579:1; CR213:3
Until such time as God purposes to reveal his secrets, neither
learning nor piety can find them out. B18
The mystery of God is to be finished, completed, and the full
plan of God is to be revealed in this new dispensation now
dawning. R5156:1
Leading us to expect things new, as well as old, to be then
revealed. F233
If prophecy was never designed to be understood there could
have been no reasonable object in giving it. B19
The time of the end -- The period beginning in AD 1799
and ending in 1914, within which time we may expect them
to be understood. C24, C149; D414; F233; OV147:4
The due time for the further explanation of his plan to his
people. R1178:1, R1579:1; E219
Because we are in the dawning of the new age, we may see
the divine character and plan for human salvation much more
clearly than did our forefathers. R5137:5
The work of harvest is still progressing, even though at one
time we supposed that it would be accomplished by October,
1914. Ci
Not the end of time. CR213:3
The end of this dispensation, of the present order of things.
OV269:3, OV6:3; CR478:1
See comments on Dan. 12:4.
Many -- After the 1290 days or years, ending in AD 1829.
C83
Shall be purified -- Shall separate themselves. C82
A purifying, cleansing, refining work in connection with the
understanding of this prophecy. C83
And made white -- Make themselves white. C82
And tried -- "The trial of your faith, being much more
precious than that of gold which perisheth." (1 Pet. 1:7)
R1822:3
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which
is to try you." (1 Pet. 4:12) R1823:1
"He is like a refiner's fire." (Mal. 3:2) R1823:4
But the wicked -- Or hypocrites. R5154:4; HG572:5
Perverters and scorners of the truth. R1896:6
Shall do wickedly -- Without interference from the Lord.
R3304:5
And should not, therefore, be warned of the impending
troubles. F592
None of the wicked -- Unfaithful to their covenant. C166
The tares of Churchianity; those out of harmony with God.
R2691:6; Dii; OV268:4
Not the "tares" but only the "wheat," shall now understand.
R2691:6
Being too indifferent to heed and search for the truth, and too
weak-kneed to stand up for it if they did see it. R3050:4
The knowledge would be so communicated that the ungodly
and unpurified would not believe it. C83
The merely formalistic Christian, merely abstaining from
work one day of the week and going to church, is not to be
expected to recognize his own likeness and to note its
deformities and inconsistencies. R2459:2
The world in general, especially the Christian world who,
having made a covenant with the Lord, are living contrary
thereto. Also the servant who hid the Lord's money in the
earth and returned it to him unused. (Luke 21:35) R2390:4
The viciously wicked are not sufficiently interested to find
out what we believe or teach. R5248:2
We are not to use prophetic evidence as a club to drive the
wicked to shelter. HG398:6
Shall understand -- God's plan and way. A168; R1308:4
If they did, it would be injurious to themselves, and would
interfere with God's plan. CR159:6; SM13:1
It must be evident to all that prophecies, while clear, forcible
and positive, are nevertheless somewhat undercover.
R2976:3
Therefore the New Creation does not seek to alarm the world
concerning the coming distress. They will not "cast their
pearls before swine." (Matt. 7:6) F592
Though realizing that we are living in strange times and under
peculiar circumstances, they try to persuade themselves that
what we see today is merely a recurrence of what has
repeated itself time and again during the past centuries.
SM186:2
The general public does not comprehend, calling it
"theological hair-splitting." R3481:1
Not comprehended, even though discussed freely in the
presence of others. SM6:1
The Lord has so arranged it. Diii; R3050:4
The Lord does not honor the worldly-wise with a knowledge
of his secrets. R1617:6
They cannot appreciate a God of justice and love. R5303:4
But the wise -- Of thy people, wise through faith.
SM794:1; B15, B223; C166
In wisdom from on high; heavenly wisdom. R5248:2,
R5092:6, R1488:1, R2972:6; B223; OV6:3
Wise toward God. R5970:4, R5039:2, R3015:6, R1308:4
The truly wise. R3947:1, R2765:1, R2491:5, R1567:1;
C89
Not according to the wisdom of this world. R5970:4,
R2974:2, R1488:1, R350:4*; OV61:6
Taught of God. R3033:5
Counted foolish by the world. SM319:2; R3015:6
The meek and faithful children of God, whose hearts are fully
loyal to him. R1147:5, R5545:1, R1598:5
The wheat, the Little Flock. R2691:6, R2938:2; SM319:2
The wise virgins. SM232:1; OV61:6; R1877:5, R5146:4;
Dii; HG314:3, HG316:4
"Who is wise that he may understand these things? Intelligent
that he may know them? For righteous are the ways of the
Lord and the just shall walk in them (understand them), but
the transgressors shall stumble through them (misapprehend
them)." (Hosea 14:9, Leeser) R2491:5
Reasoning on the basis of proven divine revelation. R1567:4
Only those seeking to live in harmony with his will may be
expected to have true discernment of the plan of God.
R3727:6
The Lord never reasons with any except those who have faith
in him and trust his promises. R3947:1
Shall understand -- Then, at the end of the 1290 days.
C83; D606; R5565:5
The Lord will open the eyes of only those whose hearts are in
the right condition. CR435:3; SM6:1; R5061:5
In this glorious dawning of the new era. R5154:4, R5817:3
"It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven." (Matt. 13:11) CR159:6
The vision and the prophecy. D606
Matters as they become due. R3947:1, R2976:3, R5146:4;
SM186:2
The fact that the antitypical Isaac was not to be only Jesus,
but also the Church--a mystery the Jews and Babylon cannot
comprehend. R4335:1
Be sealed in the forehead with a mental comprehension of the
truth to separate and distinguish the servants of God from the
servants and votaries of Babylon. C166
One evidence of faithfulness today would be a knowledge of
Present Truth. R2942:4
Our thought is that none could be esteemed "overcomers,"
victors, while ignorant of our Lord's parousia. R2942:4
Since many of the watchers are not Greek scholars, God has
made provision through such valuable helps as "Young's
Analytical Concordance" and the "Emphatic Diaglott."
R2974:2
If prophecy was never designed to be understood, there could
be no reasonable object in giving it. B19; R2765:1, R2972:6
And from the time -- AD 539, when both conditions were
true. C83
The daily sacrifice -- The continual sacrifice. C83
Shall be taken away -- This occurred some years before
the setting up of the abomination in AD 539. C83
The abomination -- That Wicked One (2 Thes. 2:8); the
Man of Sin (2 Thes. 2:3); the Mystery of Iniquity (2 Thes.
2:7); the Antichrist (1 John 2:18); the Son of Perdition (2Thes. 2:3); the Little Horn (Dan. 7:8); the Beast (Rev. 13:1);
the Papacy (Matt. 24:15). B271, B277; C67, C76
Particularly its doctrine of transubstantiation and the sacrifice
of the Mass, supplemented in our day by various theories of
self-atonement. C36; D572; F471; R2822:6
Includes not only the mother system, Papacy, but the
daughters as well. R711:1
That maketh desolate -- Nominal spiritual Israel. D571
Shall be 1290 days -- 1290 years, ending 1829 AD, at
which time William Miller began to call attention to the time
prophecies. C84, C87; R5565:5
Blessed is he -- "O the blessedness of him!" indicated by
the Hebrew text. C83, C84; R2978:2, R5568:5, R5950:4,
R5565:6
The blessing implied in the Lord's parable of Luke 12:35-48.
R3355:3
The right understanding of the vision would be deficient in
some of its chief elements until the end of the 1335 days.
C84
A joy of heart to the watchers who see the beginning of
restitution and the second presence of Christ. R2978:2,
R5568:5, R5565:6; C84
Indicating very special blessings in addition to those enjoyed
at the end of the 1290 days; and this has been actually the
case. C84, C88, C197; R2978:3, R5565:6
The blessedness of great enlightenment and appreciation of
God's glorious purposes. R5950:4
All of the special blessings that we, as a company of Bible
Students, have received during the past 40 years have been
the result of the Lord's presence. R5566:1
That waiteth -- That is waiting earnestly, watchfully.
C83, C127, C197
To the 1335 days -- 1335 years, from 539 AD, ending
1874, the time of the second advent of the Lord. C83, C127;
R2978:1, R5565:6
Beginning of the Times of Restitution. B187, B196;
R2978:2
Beginning of Harvest. R5772:4, R5950:4; C94, C197
A date looked forward to by many Bible students as the
possible time for the Church to be complete--although nothing
in the Bible so declared. R5772:4
Till the end be -- Till the "Harvest," or end of the age, be
come. F666
For thou shalt rest -- "David is not ascended into the
heavens." (Acts 2:34) R1591:5
Stand in thy lot -- Arise again for thy portion or reward.
C83, C94
At the end -- After the end. "The harvest is the end."
(Matt. 13:39) C83, C94
Of the days -- The 1335 days. C94; R180:6*