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Prophecies of Daniel: Unveiling God's Sovereign Plan

An exploration of Daniel's prophecies, focusing on God's sovereignty over kingdoms, the timeline of future events, and the ultimate triumph of God's people.

1. The Sovereignty of God and the Rise of Kingdoms

1.1 The Vision of the Four Beasts

Verses: Daniel 7:1-3; Daniel 7:15-18
  • The four beasts represent successive earthly kingdoms that would arise and exert dominion.
  • These kingdoms, though powerful, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign control.
  • The saints of the Most High will ultimately possess the kingdom, an everlasting dominion.

1.2 The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man

Verses: Daniel 7:9-10; Daniel 7:13-14
  • The Ancient of Days, representing the eternal God, sits in judgment.
  • The Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven, receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom.
  • This everlasting dominion will never pass away, signifying God's ultimate triumph.

2. Visions of Empires and the Coming Ruler

2.1 The Ram and the Goat

Verses: Daniel 8:3-8; Daniel 8:20-22
  • The ram represents the kingdoms of Media and Persia.
  • The goat represents the kingdom of Greece, which would conquer the Medo-Persian Empire.
  • The large horn of the goat symbolizes the first king of Greece, Alexander the Great.

2.2 The Little Horn

Verses: Daniel 8:9-12; Daniel 8:23-25
  • The little horn represents a powerful king who will arise and cause great destruction.
  • This king will exalt himself against the Prince of the host and prosper until the indignation is accomplished.
  • His actions will ultimately be thwarted by divine intervention.

3. The Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

3.1 The Seventy Weeks Prophecy

Verses: Daniel 9:24; Daniel 9:25
  • Seventy weeks are determined for the people of Israel and their holy city.
  • This prophecy outlines a timeline for the coming of the Messiah and the atonement for sin.
  • The decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem marks the beginning of this prophetic period.

3.2 The Messiah's Rejection and the Desolation

Verses: Daniel 9:26-27
  • The Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself.
  • The people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.
  • Desolations are determined until the end.

4. The End Times and the Resurrection

4.1 The Angel's Visit and Spiritual Warfare

Verses: Daniel 10:12-14; Daniel 10:20-21
  • Daniel's prayers are heard from the first day he set his mind to understand.
  • Angels are engaged in spiritual warfare against demonic forces influencing earthly kingdoms.
  • Michael, the archangel, helps in this battle against the powers of darkness.

4.2 Wars and Kingdoms

Verses: Daniel 11:2-4; Daniel 11:31
  • The prophecy outlines a succession of kings and their conflicts.
  • A king will arise who will profane the sanctuary and take away the daily sacrifices.
  • He will place the abomination that causes desolation.

4.3 The Time of the End and the Resurrection

Verses: Daniel 12:1-3
  • At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people.
  • There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.
  • Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.