Commentary on the Book of Daniel

By COGwriter

The Book of Daniel is a prophetic book, but one that also has lessons of faith.

Unlike other Old Testament books that were written in Hebrew, Aramaic is used from Daniel 2:4b through the end of chapter 7. The main reason seems to be that Aramaic was the main international language at the time Daniel wrote (later Greek became the international language--which is what the New Testament was written in (see also Was the New Testament Written in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic?).

This article contains each of the verses of the Book of Daniel --NKJV (used by permission from Thomas Nelson)--as well as comments from me as well as the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong given at a Bible study on November 8, 1980. https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=getbstudyav&InfoID=1337169772

HWA

Now we come along to about the year of 604BC. Six hundred and four years before Christ. And I want to read you a little now from the book of Daniel: In the very first of Daniel beginning the first chapter, and the first verse.

The anti-biblical scholars basically claim Daniel was too accurate to have been written then, because they do not believe in God's prophecies.

A Roman Catholic book I own, Kurz, W. What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? A Catholic View. Servant Books, Cincinnati. Nihil Obstat: Kistner H., Schehr T.P. Imprimi Potest: Link F., Paul J.M. Imprimatur: Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004, states while the early chapters may have been written when the Bible suggests, it states that the latter chapters were not written until the 2nd century--this is false.

It is not just some Roman Catholic who push such nonsense. In it article on the Book of Daniel, Wikipedia starts out with:

The Book of Daniel is a 2nd-century BC biblical apocalypse with a 6th-century BC setting. ... Chapters 7-12 written mainly in late Biblical Hebrew ...

The visions of chapters 7–12 reflect the crisis which took place in Judea in 167–164 BC ... the account must have been completed near the end of the reign of Antiochus but before his death in December 164 BC, or at least before news of it reached Jerusalem, and the consensus of modern scholarship is accordingly that the book dates to the period 167–163 BC. (Book of Daniel. Wikipedia, accessed 06/07/25)

The consensus of modern scholars on the date is false. The Bible warns of those who are:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, ... 6 ... led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-2, 6-7)

Yes, in our time, in these last days, many scholars love themselves and blaspheme the word of God.

Now, notice that a fragment of it in the Dead Sea scrolls, which is not the original, looks to be dated from the 3rd century BC. The Smithsonian Magazine reported:

June 5, 2025

Scholars have long relied on radiocarbon dating and palaeography (the study of ancient handwriting) to date the Dead Sea Scrolls. For the new study, researchers took a mixed approach: They used an artificial intelligence model called “Enoch,” after the Hebrew prophet. ...

the researchers fed Enoch images from 135 Dead Sea Scroll manuscripts that hadn’t been dated, and it produced estimated dates for them. According to a statement from the researchers, expert paleographers determined that approximately 79 percent of the A.I.’s estimates were “realistic.”

“What we have created is a very robust tool that is empirically based—based on physics and on geometry,” as lead author Mladen Popović, an archaeologist at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, tells the Guardian’s Nicola Davis. ...

Additionally, the program estimated that the Dead Sea Scroll known as 4Q114, which contains parts of the Book of Daniel, was older than previously thought. As Science’s Kristin Romey reports, paleographers had dated the scroll to about 165 B.C.E., while Enoch dated it to between 230 and 160 B.C.E.

“It was previously dated to the late second century B.C.E., a generation after the author of the Book of Daniel,” Popović tells the Guardian. “Now, with our study we move back in time contemporary to that author.” (Anderson S. The Dead Sea Scrolls Changed Our Understanding of the Bible. Could Some of Them Be Even Older Than We Thought? Smithsonian Magazine, June 5, 2025--https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-dead-sea-scrolls-changed-our-understanding-of-the-bible-could-some-of-them-be-even-older-than-we-thought-180986746/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us)

Understand that the Dead Sea Scrolls were NOT the original manuscripts. While most of the Dead Sea Scrolls were written in Hebrew, a portion related to Daniel was written in Greek--specifically Scroll 4Q114. Anyway the Dead Sea Scrolls are translations and/or otherwise based on the original manuscripts. Them being later documents points to Daniel being much older and is consistent with the biblical assertion that it was written when it was. And note that even the Smithsonian is somewhat admitting that.

Let me also add that I researched 4Q114 and some of what it states.

In Daniel 11:25,a translation of it reads:

"He will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south will wage war in battle with an exceedingly great and mighty army; but he won’t stand; for they will devise plans against him."

Notice that the above relates to the 11th chapter--a chapter that many falsely assert was not written until about 165. Yet, a fragment that exists supports the view it was originally written before that.

Do not believe the "consensus of scholars" when they disagree with the word of God.

The Bible also teaches:

4 Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)

Daniel 1

That said, let's start with Daniel 1:1

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

HWA

Now Nebuchadnezzar had now raised up and organized the first world empire. The greatest government that ever existed since Adam was created on earth. And he came to Jerusalem and besieged it in war. Now he conquered it and he took the Jews, slaves to Babylon.

1:2-4

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king's descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

HWA

In other words, those Jews were just a little bit smarter in their minds than the other people, and the king of Babylon knew it. And he said; "Pick out the most brilliant young Jewish people and bring them over here and we can use them in our government." So he took four. There was Daniel and his three friends.

Let me add that "young men" were likely in their teens. Notice that the Babylonians wanted advisors who were not only wise, but good looking and without blemish. This might be part of why later, they found that the other advisors were worthless--they likely relied a lot more on appearance than wisdom for picking their advisors.

1:5

5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king's delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.

They were given not only education, but food and drink. While that is taken for granted by many people in this age, back then having assured daily provisions was not a given for most people. Hence, just that part of being a potential advisor was probably considered to be a very good job.

1:6-7

6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

The last three are mainly known by their eunich assigned names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Daniel is mainly known as Daniel--but not the name Belteshazzar.

The meaning of Belteshazzar is commonly understood as "Bel protect the king" or "May Bel protect his life".

• Bel refers to the Babylonian god Marduk, often called "Bel" (meaning "lord").

• teshazzar is thought to derive from an Akkadian root meaning "protect" or "preserve."

That name was given to Daniel apparently as part of an effort to assimilate him into Babylonian culture, replacing his Hebrew identity (Daniel = "God is my judge") with a name honoring a Babylonian deity.

That said, despite having daily provisions, there were problems with the provisions that the Hebrews were provided with.

So, what was Daniel to do?

Did he decide to compromise with God's law?

No.

1:8

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

This would be because there would have been biblically-unclean items in the king's delicacies. Notice the following:

44 For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. 45 For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

46 'This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 47 to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten.' (Leviticus 11:44-47)

So, Daniel refused to defile himself.

Furthermore, Daniel apparently had been respected by the chief of the eunichs, and that chief wondered what to do:

1:9-10

9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king."

The chief of the eunichs realized he would be killed if the king thought he was not feeding those advisors in training enough food.

Then Daniel gave an answer 1:11-14:

11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king's delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants." 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.

So, Daniel made a deal.

How did it turn out?

15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

Yes, it is better to be a vegetarian for your health than to eat biblically unclean creatures. This also brought to mind the following:

1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with strife. (Proverbs 17:1)

Christians are better off avoiding unclean meat than to eat it and strive with the word of God. The first time my wife Joyce and I were in the Netherlands, we were to go out to a restaurant to eat dinner with a friend of hers. But the husband had to be on standby by their telephone because of his job (this is before the days of cellular phones), so instead they served us dinner. However, there were only two items: a pork roast and cauliflower. We only ate the cauliflower.

1:17

17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Yes, God blessed the young men for their obedience.

HWA

Now get that, Daniel had been given understanding in visions and dreams. 

Herbert Armstrong elsewhere taught:

All right, now there’s another prophecy for the people …

Joel 2:28-29 And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

So there is a time coming when God will start pouring out His spirit on human beings. … Day of Pentecost, 3000 were baptized. Peter preached a sermon. They were pricked in their hearts. God began to draw them. God was now… Remember He said, “I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh.” All right, there’s a duality of that. (Armstrong HW. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)

In these last days, according to biblical prophecy, knowledge, spiritual as well as material, was to be increased. The true Church of God was to be set back on the track, restoring the glorious knowledge of the faith once delivered to the saints in the days of the original apostles. (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages, 1985)

According to the Book of Acts, God was going to provide dreams in the last days, yet most end time Christians will not really accept that--but we of the Continuing Church of God do--see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?

As far as restoring "glorious knowledge' that HWA wrote of, that has been happening as well --see Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things.

1:18-19

18 Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.

King Nebuchadnezzar did not have much (if any) prior experience with people who read, believed, and obeyed the Bible. That is apparently one of the reasons they were more valuable/impressive to him than others. As it turned out, many podcast hosts, almost none of which had a Church of God leader on their programs before have basically said positive things to me in 2025 as in the CCOG we have a lot of knowledge that others do not.

1:20-21

20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

The truth is more than "ten times better than" what others who do not know it can offer.

Chapter 2

Now to chapter 2.

2:1-9

1 Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him. 2 Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. 3 And the king said to them, "I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream."

4 Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic, "O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation."

5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, "My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap. 6 However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation."

7 They answered again and said, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give its interpretation."

8 The king answered and said, "I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm: 9 if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you! For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation."

Now, this was not just any dream, this was a dream from God to Nebuchadnezzar. That said, Nebuchadnezzar did not trust his advisors and threatened them with death.

2:10-11

10 The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, "There is not a man on earth who can tell the king's matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. 11 It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh."

HWA

But they told him that, "There is no-one but the gods that can show you what you dreamed. We are only human. We can't do that."

Well anyway, they were going to be put to death.

2:13-14

12 For this reason the king was angry and very furious, and gave the command to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree went out, and they began killing the wise men; and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them.

Instead of going into fear and panic, the prophet Daniel gave a calm and reasoned response.

2:14-19

14 Then with counsel and wisdom Daniel answered Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon; 15 he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, "Why is the decree from the king so urgent?" Then Arioch made the decision known to Daniel.

16 So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation. 17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

Notice that Daniel did not immediately know. Instead, when he understood what was behind the terrifying news, he asked for time, prayed, and had his companions pray as well. Would you have prayed?

For more on prayer we have a free ebook: Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?

Well, Daniel did. Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision, which most likely was a dream--which is what Herbert Armstrong said Daniel's night visions were.

Anyway, we then see that Daniel thanked God for giving him the answer.

2:20-23

20 Daniel answered and said:

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. 21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. 22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.

23 "I thank You and praise You,O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king's demand."

Are we thankful when God responds to our prayers the way we hope?

We should be. See also the article on: Giving Thanks.

Anyway, Daniel then took another step 2:24:

24 Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: "Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation."

Then Daniel was brought before the king 2:25:

25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king, and said thus to him, "I have found a man of the captives of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation."

The king wondered about this 2:26:

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?"

The king probably assumed that Daniel would want to take credit personally for being so great--but Daniel did not.

2:27-28a

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, "The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.

Daniel pointed out that he did not have any special powers. But that the true God did.

Daniel was not unique in that way--as we see what the New Testament said about the prophet Elijah:

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. (James 5:17-18)

Now, Elijah did not stop the rain nor restart it--God did. But God heard his prayers and God can hear yours.

Do not think that Daniel and Elijah were so much better than you and that God cannot hear your prayers.

Related to prayer, we have a free e-book: Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?

2:28b-30

28b Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: 29 As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. 30 But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

So, again Daniel points out that he has no special power, but that God revealed this.

2:31-35

31 "You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Beast of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
(Photo from Pixabay)

HWA

A mountain ... is used in symbol in the Bible to mean a nation: Became a great nation... and filled the whole earth. A great kingdom that will fill the whole earth. Now actually that stone was to be Christ and Christ, at His second coming, is going to do that. And that hasn't happened even yet.

Yes, the rock was Jesus, consistent with "they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:4)--this was NOT a small stone as it ended up filling the earth, like the Kingdom of God will do.

Although some Protestants believe Jesus' first coming had to do with that stone, that makes no sense as all the Gentile kingdoms have not been struck down with Jesus' first coming and God's kingdom does not yet fill the whole earth. Some Protestants do, however, agree with the CCOG on this, and realize this is a prophecy of the second coming of Jesus.

2:36-37

36 "This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. 37 You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory;

HWA

Now there is a purpose in this. Here was a gentile. God had, had Israel and Judah to be His nations and they had both failed Him. They had refused to obey the Constitution (or the basic law of their government), which was the law of God — the way of give, the way of outflowing love. And they wouldn't live that way.

And now here was the gentile that had built the greatest world empire. And God was going to give this gentile king a chance to see if he would surrender to God. And God would then let this gentile be His servant and put in the government of God over the earth. Now King Nebuchadnezzar is being given a chance, like Adam had been given a chance originally.

2:38

38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all — you are this head of gold.

HWA

 The head of gold then represented Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom, the Chaldean Empire (or, it's often called in ancient history - Babylon, The Kingdom of Babylon. And its capitol was the City of Babylon, which was almost destroyed. It is near Baghdad today. Now; Thou art this head of gold.

2:39

39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.

HWA

Now that was the image, and as the image comes on down, we find a time sequence. The head of gold was 604 BC. After that was to come the Persian Empire; and after that the Greco/Macedonian Empire.

2:40

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.

HWA

the fourth kingdom [there will be a fourth, and that was Rome from 31 BC on] shall be strong as iron...

Now notice as it went on down; silver is a little stronger than gold, but it is not as valuable. In character (spiritually) they were less and less valuable as time went along. They were degenerating. But in physical power and strength, they were getting stronger.

Silver is harder than gold, and brass is stronger and harder than silver. And now iron is stronger and harder than any, but is less in value. A piece of iron doesn't cost much, but the same size chunk of gold would be worth an awful lot of money today. You see? But pure gold is very soft, it is not strong at all. ...

The fourth then is the Roman Empire and it was going to rule over all these other kingdoms and they would have been gone. The Persian Empire, the Greco/Macedonian Empire, they were all gone.

It should be noted that there are two legs. Many in the West do not realize that the Roman Empire had to parts--the one of the West that ruled for 5 or so centuries and the one of the East, also known as the Byzantium Empire, which last nearly a 1,000 years longer.

The fact of two feet and two leags also points to a Western and Eastern portion. Actually, it is because of that the the late WCG evangelist Herman Hoeh announced that the Feast of Tabernacles in Tuscon, Arizona in 1979 that the WCG finally realized that it was not just Germany that would unite--which at the fime there was an East and West Germany, but that many of the other European nations then behind the Iron Curtain, would also unite with the coming Beast power.

And since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, most of the nations of eastern Europe have joined the European Union, and many others are on the waiting list hoping to join.

That said, let's go back to Daniel 2:41-42:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.

Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

"And in the days of these kings... ." It is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE, which is now forming out of the European Common Market before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of ten KINGS OR KINGDOMS that (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the medieval "HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE. ...

The seventh is now forming—the last, final, brief resurrection of the "Holy Roman Empire" by ten European groups or nations.  (Armstrong HW. 7 PROOFS OF GOD'S TRUE CHURCH: Part Four. Plain Truth, May 1979; that same exact quote is also in his 1985 book: The Bible Superstition or Authority? ...and can you prove it?)

When Herbert W. Armstrong stated in the 20th century that the seventh was forming, what formed was the sixth resurrection--the seventh will come AFTER Europe reorganizes under the Beast which we see in the following:

12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:12-14)

Revelation 17:12-14 tell of the rise of an end-time power with ten horns that God will destroy.  Daniel 2:41-44 tell of the rise of ten-toed end-time power that God will destroy.

In Daniel 2, we see that the toes of the feet are composed of mixed peoples. Some are iron and some are clay in some of the same toes. This would tend to prove the view that the ten horns in Revelation 17:12 is a reference to an artificial government as opposed to only being inclusive of existing individual nations. Although probably no nation is 100% ethnically consistent, many are quite consistent that way and tend to adhere to themselves.

The passages in Daniel 2 are not really teaching about a 'core Europe' like some Laodicean COG groups have claimed--they are teaching that Europe will adhere for a while despite unity issues.

Just like the ancient Roman Empire was composed on many peoples, so will the one warned about as the Beast power of Revelation 13,17, & 18.

Furthermore, since on human feet, eight of the ten toes seem to be similar in size, the analogy of toes also indicates that the ten kingdoms in the end will be somewhat similar in size--but since there are two great toes on human feet, this is also pointing to two being more influential powers.

2:43

43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.

HWA

[Now imagine, the toes were the very last part of it and it is the toes that were to be struck by Christ when He comes. And here's the time sequence of governments of the earth that it's talking about]; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. (42) And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.{6} (43) And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

 Now those toes represent the government that I say is going to come to restore the Holy Roman Empire and they won't stay together.

Now, what we are seeing form in Europe are basically the toes. The nations do not adhere well together, but they are mixed in that way. See also: The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17. As far as some who are Israelitish who will not adhere, check out the free ebook: Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?

2:44-45

44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold — the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure."

HWA

Now to understand it fully you have got to go to the seventh chapter of Daniel, the thirteenth chapter of Revelation and the seventeenth of Revelation. Put them all together and then you'll really understand it. And I don't know anyone else that does understand it. I really don't. And in the days of these kings (shall)the God of heaven [will] set up a kingdom...

Now God already has set up a kingdom in the days of those kings, and that is the government of God in God's church. And he has put me here to organize it and I am the instrument he has been using. Now just remember this, it is more important than you possibly can dream. This is not some fanatic's wild dream. This is the truth, and it's the truth that no-one has had for nineteen-hundred years on the earth.

...set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed:

 Of course now that kingdom won't really be here till Christ comes and he will set it up. It isn't just....but this church is going to go ahead right in and be part of that kingdom. We will be immortal in that time. We won't be human beings.

While we will get to Daniel 7 later in this article, yes, the kingdoms of this world will be replaced by the return of Jesus and the establishment of the Kingdom of God:

15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15-16)

2:46-48

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. 47 The king answered Daniel, and said, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret." 48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.

So, Nebucchadnezzar acknowledged that the God of the Bible was the true God. However, like many who do this at various points of their lives, he did not fully repent nor change his way of life as he should have.

Christians often have a similar problem as do many who claim Christianity. Notice also that Daniel received a promotion to be "ruler over the whole province of Babylon,," which likely would have involved him needing to travel.

2:49

49 Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

Notice that Daniel did NOT just think of himself, but also had Philadelphian love, love for the brethren, as he helped arrange positions for his companions.

Chapter 3

Now to chapter 3.

3:1

1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

So, we see that despite admitting that Daniel's God was "is the God of gods, the Lord of kings," Nebuchadnezzar went the wrong way by making a huge idol. Now he might have reasoned that since God said he was the head of gold that this would be good to make--which it was not.

And then Nebuchadnezzar made matters even worse.

2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried aloud: "To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace."

This got the bulk of the people to fear and obey his decree 3:7:

7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

What would you have done?

Well, there were some that did not worship the image.

And, some in the government leadership took this as an opportunity to speak against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego --perhaps they wanted their positions or somehow wanted them out of their way.

3:8-12

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up."

Scipture does not state why Daniel was not included. Presumably he was traveling outside of the City of Babylon at the time and was elsewhere in the province.

That said, Nebuchadnezzar was furious that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would not obey him and worhship his image 3:13-16

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?"

Nebuchadnezzar was not used to people disobeying him and forgot that there was a real God. Furthermore, he probably thought he was being nice by offering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego a way out. This also brings to mind that the ancient Roman Empire would often offer Christians a way out if they would renounce Jesus and participate in some pagan offering.

However, being faithful, like many Christian martyrs later were, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused the way out, despite not knowing what God might do as we read in 3:16-18:

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

Now, Nebuchadnezzar had to have know that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had a connection to Daniel and his God. Nebuchadnezzar should have snapped out of his vanity and hate and let them go. But he did not.

3:19-23

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king's command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Understand that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were young men and did not know what was going to happen, and that the furnance was made hotter than normal and then tossed in--that would have been frightening, particularly when they noticed that the men that threw them in died from the heat. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were unharmed.

They had been in a literal fiery trial. As Christians, we should realize that we are subject to them as well as the Apostle Peter wrote:

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:12-19)

While you probably have not faced a fiery trial like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did, you may have faced a life filled with health problems, economic struggles, and various disappointments.

But if you do not give up, you will succeed:

22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)

Enduring suggests long term trials.

Jesus added to not fear the future:

32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)

And like Jesus, the Apostle Paul guaranteed Christians will succeed:

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:3-6)

Your success is guaranteed if you do not give up!

That said, since Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were unharmed, this shocked the king.

3:24-25

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?"

They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."

25 "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

Not only was Nebuchadnezzar astonished, God looks to have allowed him to see Jesus--who in Daniel 7:13 is called "like the Son of man." Jesus did not become the Son of God/Man until His incarnation, hence the use of the word like in both places.

One wonders what the one like the Son of Man might have said--but we have no information about this in scripture.

Anyway, what a miracle for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. What a blessing for Nebuchadnezzar.

3:26

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here." Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire.

So, Nebuchadnezzar realizes that there is a Most High God.

His associates were also surprised and wondered what happened.

3:27

27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king's counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.

While the "mighty men of valor" were burned up for throwing them in, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not even smell like they had been near fire. God cab do more than we humans think.

3:28-29

28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this."

So after this Nebuchadnezzar points out that God saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego because they trusted in Him.

We all should as well.

As it says in the Book of Proverbs:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego trusted to what looked like certain death--and it likely later strengthened their bones.

Anyway, that said, because of this miracle, Nebuchadnezzar again realized that there is a real God.

3:30

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.

So, in his way to attempt to make some amends, Nebuchadnezzar promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

Their bravery has been reported now for thousands of years.

Here is a link to a sermon video related to the first three chapters: Daniel 1-3: Nebuchadnezzar's Dream.

Chapter 4

Now to chapter 4, which starts out with words from Nebuchadnezzar.

4:1-3

1 Nebuchadnezzar the king,

To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:

Peace be multiplied to you.

2 I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me.

3 How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,And His dominion is from generation to generation.

So, Nebuchadnezzar once again is acknowledging "the Most High God." And he is also being a witness to those in his area.

Starting in 4:4 he continues with:

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation.

So, despite publicly acknowledging "the Most High God," Nebuchadnezzar again calls on pagans to assist, but they were unable to do so.

In our own lives, even though many of us have been converted, baptized, etc., how often do we not rely on "the Most High God"?

4:8-9

8 But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying: 9 "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.

Daniel's arrival was reassuring to Nebuchadnezzar, who then proceeds to tell Daniel his dream 4:10-17:

10 "These were the visions of my head while on my bed:

I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great. 11 The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. 12 Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it.

13 "I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 He cried aloud and said thus:
'Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, And the birds from its branches. 15 Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, Bound with a band of iron and bronze,In the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, And let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth. 16 Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him.

17 'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'

Before going further, we see a watcher that came down from heaven and learn that the decree was decided by the watchers and is called a decision by the "holy ones."

Who are these watchers?

Angels are called holy in the NT (e.g. Revelation 14:10). Some COG groups--like UCG--think that this is a reference to angels--and perhaps it may be. However, angels are not referred to as holy in the OT. Plus, I am not convinced that God allows angels to make these decisions.

UCG had the following as part of its explanation:

So in Hebrews 1, notice how it describes angels in verse 14, Hebrews 1:14. It says, "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Of course, people, human beings inherit salvation and they serve them, they minister on God's behalf. And of course, that means they watch, they oftentimes bring messages from God, they do things on God's behalf.

And so here when we go back to Nebuchadnezzar and his dream, as he describes these watchers, notice what they do, notice what they do. We get down to verse 14, where we left off in Daniel 4, we see that these watchers “cried aloud” and gave this message.  ... the watchers, the angels. They weren't the author of this decree ... “This decision is by the decree of the watchers,” okay, they brought this decree it's not their decree (https://www.ucg.org/course/video-bible-study-series/lessons-prophet-daniel/lessons-prophet-daniel-most-high-rules accessed 03/25/25)

Yes, angels are "ministering spirits," yet that reference is not in the same category as making decrees over human leaders. It looks like UCG is contradicting itself and the scriptures here. Furthermore, UCG wrote that "watchers" plural cried out, but Daniel 4:14 only points to one as it states "He cried aloud."

Daniel 4:14 may be a reference to Jesus being the one who "cried aloud" and that He and the Father are the watchers who made the decree.

And that certainly goes along with verse 17 which states, "And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men." It also goes along with verse 24 which states, "this is the decree of the Most High."

Another reason to consider that the Godhead are the watchers is because Job stated that God was the "watcher of men" (Job 7:20). This was not stated about angels.

Now, getting back to Daniel 4:17, note that it includes the words, "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men" -- that verse is one of the reasons that those in the Continuing Church of God do not vote (unless legally required to) in carnal elections. Also consdier that verse 25 states that, "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." More on voting is in the article Should a Christian Vote?).

4:18

18 "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you."

So, Nebuchadnezzar recognizes God's Spirit in Daniel.

So, Daniel considers the dream 4:19a

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him.

The time was so long that Nebuchadnezzar was concerned:

19b So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you."

Well, Daniel was troubled and hesistant to explain what God revealed about it, but then did so.

4:19c

19c Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!

20 "The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, 21 whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home — 22 it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.

23 "And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him'; 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25 They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.

26 "And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity."

In the Continuing Church of God we advocate national repentance so that "Perhaps there may be a lengthening of " the "prosperity" of the United States and its British-descended allies (e.g. see the free e-book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?).

Nebuchadnezzar was given a warning from God.

Nebuchadnezzar may have temporarily repented, but his pride was still a problem.

We all have the word of God which has numerous warnings. The Apostle Peter warned:

18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." (2 Peter 2:18-22)

While to be Christian, we must have repented, we are not to go back to the world.

But King Nebuchadnezzar went back to massive pride.

4:28-31

28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?"

Of course, King Nebuchadnezzar, himself, did probably almost nothing personally to build the royal dwelling, but he claimed that anyway.

4:31-33

31 While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! 32 And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses."

33 That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.

Nebuchadnezzar was apparently the most powerful leader of the most powerful empire on the planet when this affected him.

Do not think that you are invincible to, or not subject to, God's correction and judgment. And if you are a real Christian, the time for your judgment is now as the Apostle Peter wrote:

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:17-19)

Furthermore, those who trust in the power of the United States and the prosperity of its British-descended allies will find that was misplaced as they will be conquered by the coming European King of the North Beast power per Daniel 8:25, 11:24, and 11:39.

Anyway, for seven years, the great King Nebuchadnezzar lived like an animal and lacked basic human understanding. But the prophetic "seven times"--seven years-- ended. This is one reason we understand that expressions used in th Bible like time, times, and 1/2 a time refer to 3 1/2 years.

4:34

34 And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever:

For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. 35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"

So, Nebuchadnezzar praised God when this ended. This is similar to what Jonah did at the end of his three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish:

1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish's belly. 2 And he said:

"I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me.

"Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice. 3 For You cast me into the deep,Into the heart of the seas,And the floods surrounded me;All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, 'I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.' 5 The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me;Weeds were wrapped around my head. 6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever;Yet You have brought up my life from the pit,O Lord, my God.

7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord;And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple.

8 "Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice to YouWith the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord."

10 So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:1-10)

Yes, salvation is from God. Anyway, Jonah, after this trial, went out in obedience to God and did the proclamation work he was given.

Hopefully, you will support God's end time proclamation work of the Philadelphian remnant of the true Christian Church of God.

Nebuchadnezzar was given back his physical kingdom after his long trial:

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.

Nebuchadnezzar learned that pride and arrogance were no match for God--and that is something that Satan and his demons will learn as well.

That said, we Christians are given an eternal kingdom beyond the temporal one Nebuchadnezzar was granted.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11)

10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; (Revelation 5:8)

Yes, Christians will be able to reign in the coming Kingdom of God. That is very good news.

Related to that Kingdom and Daniel, Herbert W. Armstrong taught:

The prophet Daniel, who lived 600 years before Christ, knew that the kingdom of God was a real kingdom--a government ruling over literal PEOPLE on the earth . . .

When Christ comes, he is coming as KING of kings, ruling the whole earth (Rev. 19:11-16); and HIS KINGDOM--the KINGDOM OF GOD--said Daniel, is to CONSUME all these worldly kingdoms. Revelation 11:15 states it in these words: “The kingdoms of this world are become THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD, AND OF HIS CHRIST: and he shall reign for ever and ever”! This is THE KINGDOM OF GOD. It is the END of present governments--yes, and even the United States and the British nations. They then shall become the kingdoms--the GOVERNMENTS--of the Lord JESUS CHRIST, then KING of kings over the entire earth.

This makes completely PLAIN the fact that the KINGDOM OF GOD is a literal GOVERNMENT. Even as the Chaldean Empire was a KINGDOM--even as the Roman Empire was a KINGDOM--so the KINGDOM OF GOD is a government. It is to take over the GOVERNMENT of the NATIONS of the world. Jesus Christ was BORN to be a KING--a RULER! . . .

The same Jesus Christ who walked over the hills and valleys of the Holy Land and the streets of Jerusalem more than 1,900 years ago is coming again. He said he would come again. After he was crucified, God raised him from the dead after three days and three nights (Matt. 12:40; Acts 2:32; I Cor. 15:3-4). He ascended to the Throne of God. Headquarters of the Government of the Universe (Acts 1:9-11; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; Rev. 3:21).
He is the “nobleman” of the parable, who went to the Throne of God--the “far country”--to be coronated as King of kings over all nations, and then to return to earth (Luke 19:12-27).

Again, he is in heaven until the “times of restitution of all things” (Acts 3:19-21). Restitution means restoring to a former state or condition. In this case, the restoring of God's government on earth, and thus, the restoring of world peace, and utopian conditions.

Present world turmoil, escalating wars and contentions will climax in world trouble so great that, unless God intervenes, no human flesh would be saved alive (Matt. 24:22). At its very climax when delay would result in blasting all life from off this planet, Jesus Christ will return. This time he is coming as divine God. He is coming in all the power and glory of the universe-ruling Creator. (Matt. 24:30; 25:31.) He is coming as “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16), to establish world super-government and rule all nations “with a rod of iron” (Rev. 19:15; 12:5) . . .

Christ Unwelcome?

But will humanity shout with joy, and welcome him in frenzied ecstasy and enthusiasm--will even the churches of traditional Christianity?

They will not! They will believe, because the false ministers of Satan (II Cor. 11:13-15) have deceived them, that he is the Antichrist. The churches and the nations will be angry at his coming (Rev. 11:15 with 11:18), and the military forces will actually attempt to fight him to destroy him (Rev. 17:14)!
The nations will be engaged in the climactic battle of the coming World War III, with the battlefront at Jerusalem (Zech. 14:1-2) and then Christ will return. In supernatural power he will “fight against those nations” that fight against him (verse 3). He will totally defeat them (Rev. 17:14)! “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,” a very short distance to the east of Jerusalem (Zech. 14:4). (Armstrong HW. The Mystery of the Ages, 1984)

The Bible declares that Jesus will return and He will win, yet many will fight against Him (Revelation 19:19). Many will claim (based upon misunderstanding of Bible prophecy, but partially because of false prophets and mystics) that the returning Jesus is the final Antichrist!

The pride of human leaders did not die with Nebuchadnezzar--that is one of the lessons of Daniel.

Others include that biblical prophecies do come to pass, the faithful do not compromise, God's people are willing to face death than disobey, governments can cause problems, but Jesus will return and establish the Kingdom of God.

Chapter 5

In chapter 5 we learn of Belshazzar who was the son of King Nabonidus, and born to be crown prince. He who ruled as co-regent with his father in Babylon. Belshazzar was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar.

In one respect King Nabonidus did not function as king as he liked to spend his time hunting and had Belshazzar reign.

Belshazzar means "Bel protect the king" or "Bel protect the prince".

• Bel refers to the Babylonian god Marduk, who was often called "Bel" (meaning "lord").

• šarra means "king" or "prince."

• uṣur means "protect" or "preserve."

The old WCG published the following:

Nebuchadnezzar was succeeded on the throne by his son, the unpopular Amel-Marduk (562560) — the Evil — Merodach of scripture. He, in turn, was murdered and succeeded by his brother-in-law Nergal-sharra-usur (Neriglissar) (560-556), a general and son-in-law of Nebuchadnezzar.

Following Neriglissar's death under obscure circumstances, his young son, Labashi-Marduk, reigned for three months before being removed in a rebellion. Nabu-na'id (Nabonidus) came to the throne. His son and crown prince was Bel-shar-usur (the biblical Belshazzar).

Belshazzar was as proud and arrogant as Nebuchadnezzar once had been. Although Babylon at this time was besieged by enemies, Belshazzar remained unconcerned, trusting that the city's formidable defenses would keep him safe. (Babylon: Past, Present ...and Future. Ambassador College Productions, 1990)

5:1

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in the presence of the thousand.

Despite there being a military threat, the arrogant Belshazzar through a party. Instead of preparing to deal with an enemy, he began to drink and then came up with a bad idea.

5:2-4

2 While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which had been in Jerusalem, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.

Not only was Belshazzar and his festival goers drinking from them, they also praised pagan idols.

Then something frightening happened.

5:5-8

5 In the same hour the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."

Like his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar goes and calls for "the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers." He also offered them a lot.

But, they were useless.

5:8-9

8 Now all the king's wise men came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.

The king saw the handwriting, but did not understand it.  Nor could his  “experts” figure this out. Nowadays, Americans see that the USA is in decline and do not understand it.

Now although Belshazzar's wives and concubines were there, the queen had not attended the party, but heard about this.

5:10-12

10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father — your father the king — made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. 12 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

So, the queen knew where Belshazzar should go to find out what was happening. And Daniel was summoned.

5:13-16

13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 Now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give the interpretation of the thing. 16 And I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and explain enigmas. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."

So Belshazzar made his offer to Daniel. He perhaps offered him third is that his father King Nabonidus was perhaps still alive.

After the offer, Daniel reminded him what had happened to his grandfather.

5:17-21

17 Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. 19 And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down. 20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. 21 Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.

Then Daniel gets bold and says things that normally could have gotten him killed--even though he was telling the truth.

5:22

22 "But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. 23 And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.

It would seem that Daniel had not been pleased with Belshazzar and wondered how long his arrogant ways would last.

We who have read the Bible should realize some of how God works and should be careful about pride and lifting ourselves up.

Daniel then explains what had been happening.

5:24-25

24 Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.
25 "And this is the inscription that was written:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

Before going further, understand that the basic Babylonian unit of weight was the gold shekel (tekel in this verse). One mene equalled 50 shekels; a upharsin (half a mena) equalled 25. The four words, therefore, stood for: mene, 50 shekels; mene, 50 shekels; tekel, a shekel; a upharsin, 25 shekels. The total equalled 126 shekels.

Now let us look at the words from the wall and apply them to the United States.

1. Mene: Your days as being on the top of the world order are numbered.  And more in the world are starting to realize this.
2. Mene: Despite signs of your decline, instead of repenting, you seem to be taking steps to speed it up–you are soon to be finished.
3. Tekel: Your morality and “conscience” have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting.
4. Peres/Upharsin: Your nation will be divided by the final Beast, the King of the North (Daniel 11:39), and he will make your people slaves as your nation will be finished.

Do you think that this may be alarmist? Even when he was US President, Barack Obama stated the the deficits of the USA are unsustainable. And he was right about that. Something that is unsustainable cannot be continued forever. Yet, the debt for the USA continue to increase--according to Habakkuk that will end in disaster (cf. Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Getting back to Daniel, he says what the handwriting on the wall meant for that time.

5:26-29

26 This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."

Interestingly, Daniel only mentioned the word "Mene" once and did not mention its second time, indicating that this prophecy could have a second fulfillment. The old Radio Church of God felt that this prophecy would have a second fulfillment as well:

Now this prophecy of Belshazzar’s feast was sot a message for that day only. Do you realize that even Daniel didn’t understand what he was inspired to write? Notice it in Daniel the 12th chapter, the 8th and the 9th verses:

“And I heard, but I understood not. And then I said, ‘0 my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?”’ Daniel wrote what an angel had been revealing to him. The angel said, “Go thy way, Daniel, for the words are closed and sealed till the time of the end.” Even Daniel didn’t understand what he was inspired to write.

A WARNING for Today!

Do you realize that the Jews were already in captivity when Daniel wrote? This prophecy of the handwriting on the wall was not for them. It came too late to save them. ...

Why This Warning Was Written!

This warning came TOO LATE to save Belshazzar. This account was written FOR YOU ... It wasn’t written for the Jews of that day. It was written for us today, and WE HAVE TIME To HEED. We have the to escape the destruction that is now threatening you and me--if we wake up. ...

The REAL MEANING

“Then Daniel made answer to the king, ‘Keep your gifts for yourself, and give your rewards to someone else. However, I will read the writing for the king, and let him know the meaning of it. 0 king, the Most High God gave king Nebuchadnezzar, your father, the realm’.’’

He is showing here once again that God is the Most High Ruler. He makes and unmakes nations. ...

King Belshazzar had fallen into the illusion that grips most of you TODAY. God had become UNREAL! God seemed to be FAR OFF! God seemed like a myth. Their minds were turned only to the things that they could see, material objects, the things of materialism. A material mind only knows material things, and God does seem like a myth, far off.

God ENDED that world-kingdom! God makes and unmakes nations and empires. ...

The handwriting is upon the wall of America, of Christendom, this hour. There is protection for you if you will open your eyes to God’s prophecies--if you wiIl study your Bible, if you will surrender your life to your Creator, if you will only come to Him in obedience in living faith through Jesus Christ! (Armstrong HW. The Handwriting is on the Wall of America NOW! Plain Truth, March 1956)

Before going further, let me state that various churches (including the old Worldwide Church of God) have taught that the 'value' of the four words of the handwriting added up to 126 shekels, which equals 2520 gerahs. That could be seven 360 day prophetic years, 2520 days (the old WCG once taught it could be 2520 years from Belshazzar's demise, but prophetically, that does not seem to be the case when we look at history in the year 1981, which is 539 BC plus 2520 years). It may be, that being the period that Nebuchadnezzar had been removed, that was a reminder to Belshazzar he had overlooked that.

After Daniel explained what happened, Belshazzar gave Daniel what he had originally promised.

29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

However, that was of little value as ...

5:30

30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. 31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

That kingdom was taken over that very night. Here is more about that:

Xenophon, the Greek historian who wrote the Cyropaedia in the fourth century before Christ, says that "when Cyrus reached Babylon" 539 B.C. he dug channels for the dispersal of the water in the river Euphrates which ran under the gates of Babylon. Then he and THE MEDO-PERSIAN ARMY SECRETLY ENTERED THE RIVER BED, climbed stealthily through the gates along the river and rushed to the palace "when he heard chat there was a festival in Babylon, in which all the Babylonians drank and revelled the whole night." It was the night of the new moon of the seventh month of the Babylonian year. Upon reaching the palace where Belshazzar had seen the handwriting on the wall, they "burst in, and, pursuing those who fled, and dealing blows amongst them, came up to the king, and found him in a standing posture with his sword drawn. [They] mastered him." So Belshazzar the King in Babylon — was killed that night exactly as Daniel said. (Hoeh H. There is a Way of Escape. Plain Truth, 1970)

A powerful ruler and his powerful kingdom fell.

The handwriting is on the wall for the USA.

Do not believe that Republican Donald Trump or any Democratic party leader will fix enough of what is wrong in the USA.

The debt level in the USA is rising.

Let's look at Habakkuk and the USA.

2 Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Notice that the word of God states it will tarry, take a while, but the results will surely come. And that the result is that people should run (flee) because of it.

Here are some details about what is coming and why:

6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him,
And a taunting riddle against him, and say,
‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his — how long?
And to him who loads himself with many pledges’?
7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?
Will they not awaken who oppress you?
And you will become their booty.
8 Because you have plundered many nations,
All the remnant of the people shall plunder you,
Because of men’s blood
And the violence of the land and the city,
And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Please pay attention to the fact that that above is a prophecy for the appointed time of the end–essentially the time of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). The USA has been accumulating pledges in the form of US Treasury bonds and notes, and is the most indebted nation of all time. It is descendants of Israel, like the USA, that are prophesied to have debt issues with foreigners if they turn from God’s laws (cf. Deuteronomy 28:43-44)–that is consistent with Habakkuk 2:6-8. The above prophecy is NOT a reference to the nation calling itself Israel as it has nothing compared to USA debt.

As far as how much the USA is indebted to foreigners, notice the following:

Foreign creditors already hold a net claim of $22.5 trillion (and growing) on U.S. assets. Many of these creditors will be inclined to sell American stocks and bonds rather than buy more — especially if they are encouraged by Trump to raise cash to buy American exports. Foreign producers who, for decades, have exchanged their manufactured goods for American stocks and bonds would stop reinvesting export earnings. (Amoss D. From Biden to Trump: Navigating the Economic Ship Through Troubled Waters. Jim Rickard’s Strategic Intelligence, December 2024, p. 10)

The USA has been setting itself up for the penalties prophesied by Habakkuk.

Consider that the prophecy in Habakkuk says what will happen is so bad, that people should run who read it. That is, they should seriously consider what this means and take the appropriate steps.

Foreign creditors will rise up.

The Bible clearly warns that an indebted people will be destroyed by people whose language that they do not understand, and that the destruction will be fairly total:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:43-45,47-52).

7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

13 And the Lord said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, 14 but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts…16 I will scatter them also among the Gentiles, whom neither they nor their fathers have known. And I will send a sword after them until I have consumed them.” (Jeremiah 9:13,14a,16)

12 One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. (Ezekiel 5:12)

The above prophecy in Habakkuk will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come”, Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27, 29,35 uses the same Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently. Also, it makes little sense that Habakkuk would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence at the appointed time of the end. As far as “violence of the land” as a contributing factor, this would seem to include crime, military missions, and perhaps riots/civil unrest, but might it also include promotion of violent sports? Is the USA government not giving shameful counsel regarding matters such as homosexuality and abortion?

While some have claimed that Habakkuk 2 is really only a prophecy for the Babylonian Beast (or ancient Chaldea), that is in error for several reasons. The fact that the prophecy will tarry (seems like it takes a long time to fulfill) shows that this cannot be a prophecy for “the end time Babylonian Beast” as some have asserted because the end time Beast will not be accumulating debt for many years before it is taken over, whereas the USA has been doing so for decades–the Babylonian Beast will not have power for but a fraction of that time. Furthermore, God in chapter one points to the Chaldeans as the ones who will implement punishment to the descendants of Israel--they are not prophesied to be destroyed by Israel.

The Bible shows that the Babylonian Beast power will be taken over by Russia and nations all around the world and it will not be because of monetary reasons:

50:41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw…

17 “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,
Who will not regard silver;
And as for gold, they will not delight in it.
18 Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces,
And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb;
Their eye will not spare children.
19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,
The beauty of the Chaldeans’pride,
Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:1, 17-19)

11 Make the arrows bright!
Gather the shields!
The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes.
For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it,
Because it is the vengeance of the Lord,
The vengeance for His temple. (Jeremiah 51:11)

Thus, end time daughter of Babylon will not be taken over because of debt from creditors as the attack will not be related to wanting money!

But, debt will be a factor in taking over the USA per Habakkuk 2 and Deuteronomy 28!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Debt Spiral

Ray Dalio is one of the world’s most successful hedge fund managers.

His success is due to his consistent ability to get the Big Picture right.

He recently said this:

“We are at a point in which we are borrowing money to pay debt service.

When you keep having debt growth faster than income growth, that means you have debt service encroaching on your spending, and you want to keep spending at the same time.

As that happens, there is a need to get more and more into debt. It accelerates.

We are at the point of that acceleration. We are near that inflection point.”

Dalio is warning about the explosive nature of the US government’s compounding debt situation. …

The financial position of the US government has been gradually deteriorating for decades, so it’s not surprising that many people are complacent. They’ve long heard about the debt problem, and nothing has happened.

However, it is now reaching the tipping point.

That’s because the US government is now borrowing money to pay the interest on the money it has already borrowed, as Dalio noted. Politicians are adding more debt to solve the problems of prior debt.

It’s creating a self-perpetuating doom loop.

It will result in the total debt growing not linearly but exponentially.

The debt increases at a faster rate over time because it is compounding.

Each calculation period adds more interest to the total amount owed, which requires more borrowing and causes a larger interest expense. …

Dalio says the US is near the inflection point where the debt growth will accelerate and explode into previously unimaginable levels.

I think he is correct, and that has enormous implications.  …

But I’m not just talking about a stock market crash or a currency collapse…

It’s something much bigger… with the potential to alter the fabric of society forever.

It’s created an economic situation unlike we’ve ever seen before, and it’s all building up to a severe crisis on multiple fronts.

It could all go down soon… and it won’t be pretty.  09/10/24 https://internationalman.com/articles/the-debt-spiral-crosses-the-point-of-no-return/

Yes, the US debt is rising and is dangerous.

Most will not believe, but that was expected:

6 “Don’t say such things,” the people respond. “Don’t prophesy like that. Such disasters will never come our way!” (Micah 2:6, New Living Translation)

16 … You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, And do not spout against the house of Isaac.’ (Amos 7:16)

People will not want to hear or believe! 

But the handwriting is on the wall for the USA. And since Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK rely on the USA for military protection, the handwritings is on the wall for them as well.

Chapter 6

Now to Chapter 6

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss.

So, a bureaucracy was set up.

And there was a difference between Daniel and others in the government:

6:3

3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.

But jealously and covetousness quickly became an issue:

4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

So, they plotted against Daniel.

6:6

6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: "King Darius, live forever! 7 All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

Now the government officials were bearing false witness. Neither Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, nor Abed-Nego would have wanted nor approved this.

Darius should not have let this happen, but sadly his own ego got in the way. Flattery works this way at time--and Satan knows that.

Anyway, this did not change Daniel's praying practices.

6:10

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

The jealous haters seized upon this and then further set King Darius up:

11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?"

The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter."
13 So they answered and said before the king, "That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day."

The king finally realized he messed up--big time:

6:14

14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed."

The king felt he could not violate the ancient equivalent of a constitution.

16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you." 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.

But the king did not simply wash his hands of the matter--which is literally what Pontius Pilate did regarding the death of Jesus (Matthew 27:24):

6:18

18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him.

Darius, the king, fasted and probably prayed for Daniel.

Would you have done that for others?

Continuing:

6:19

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"

Darius was not optimistic.

But he apparently went early in case Daniel perhaps survived the expected attack from the lions.

Daniel, not only survived, he was never attacked:

21 Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you."

The king was relieved:

6:23

23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

Now, the next big thing that seemed to go through Darius' mind is those that pressured him to toss Daniel in the lion's den. He then decided to rid his kingdom of those jealous complainers:

24 And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions — them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.

The Darius decided to decree something about the true God:

25 Then King Darius wrote:
To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:
Peace be multiplied to you.
26 I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.
For He is the living God,And steadfast forever;His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,And His dominion shall endure to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues,And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

This, also seemed to help Daniel long term:

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel obeyed, God allowed him to undergo another severe trial, but he endured and was blessed.

Chapter 7

7:1-2

1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.

2 Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea.

HWA

Now this is later. Belshazzar was the king that succeeded Nebuchadnezzar. This is after Nebuchadnezzar is dead, that Daniel has this dream himself now. You see, what I just read, the king had the dream and Daniel told him what the dream was. But this time Daniel has the dream himself, the young Jewish lad. ...

Now you'll find that John has a vision in Revelation 13 and he saw a beast rise up out of the sea while he was standing on the sea shore. ...

Now, what sea is this talking about?

Well, Daniel refers to it Great Sea. The “Great Sea” that bordered the ancient lands of Israel (Numbers 34:6-7; Joshua 1:4; 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16) is the Mediterranean Sea--and that is the sea that Daniel was referring to. Europe borders the Meditarranean Sea and will be the power that will once again control the “Great Sea.” And while the southern border of the Mediterranean Sea is currently under Arab control, like basically the entirety of the Meditarranean Sea was under control of the ancient Roman Empire, the Bible shows that the European King of the North will take over the nations that control the eastern and southern borders of that sea (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

Despite some false claims by some, the Beast power is not a nation like Russia, which does not border the Mediterranean Sea. This tie to the Great Sea is one of the reasons that we know that the Beast of Revelation 13:1-10 is a European power.

HWA

Now; John is telling what he saw in vision in the Book of Revelation ...

Revelation 13:1-2 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast [now again, a wild animal] rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, [here is seven head and ten horns all over again. And you see there were the four parts of the image in Daniel 2.

And the ten toes instead of the ten horns. You see how these things all fit together?] and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the names of blasphemy. [showing that they are of Satan the Devil; very evil] (2) And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, [it wasn't a leopard, it was just like a leopard] and his feet were as the feet of a bear, [that's the strongest part of a bear] and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: [the mouth is the strongest part of a lion] and the dragon [which is the devil] gave him his power….

7:3-5

3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
5 "And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!'

So, these power look a bit different from each other as they are represented by four different animals.

HWA

Now ... that first animal which was like a lion, (which is the king of beasts) represented Nebuchadnezzar - was the same as the head of gold of the statue. The second (which is a bear) is the same as the breast of silver. In other words he's talking about the four great world empires. The second one then was like a bear.

7:6

6 "After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.

HWA

Dominion: You see it's talking about a government that had dominion to rule (the governments that were influenced by Satan). God told Adam that his children would have these governments. Now here they are coming along. These are the main governments that were world governments.

7:7

7 "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.

HWA

 [Now, this iron compares to the iron legs of the other beast. The iron legs were the Roman Empire that had a capital in the West at Rome, a capital in the East at Constantinople. It was the two, the East and the West but they were all Roman Empire. "I considered"... Now lets see;] ...before it; and it had ten horns.

Now I want you to notice; the first beast had a head. It was like a lion. The second was like a bear and had a head. Now you've got two heads. The third beast was like a leopard, but the leopard had four heads; and now you've got six heads.

Now there is a seventh one to come up and that makes seven heads. But on this seventh one are ten horns. Now, with that;

7:8

8 I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.

HWA

The fourth beast then was the Roman Empire, and the Roman Empire really fell in 476 A.D. And "there were three". The little horn is the Roman Catholic Church, and before it there were three that were plucked up by the roots. They are gone, you can't find any trace of then in history. They were the Heruli, the Ostergoths and the Vandals. Where are the Vandals today? Where are the Ostergoths? Where are the Heruli? You can't find them. They were wild animals. Let me go back and read that now:

7:9

9 "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;

HWA

I beheld till the thrones [of these governments now; represented by these wild animals who had the characteristics of wild animals, not of tame animals] were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, [that is God, the Ancient of Days, and] whose garment was white as snow, [which is a symbol in the Bible of purity and righteousness and holiness] and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels [like] burning fire.

God has a throne. God is the one who governs the whole universe.

God's kingdom and way involves governance.

7:10

10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.

11 "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

HWA

The people went on but their government was taken away and destroyed. You see? 

7:13-14

13 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.His dominion is an everlasting dominion,Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

HWA

That is the Kingdom of God when Christ will come, and that's going to happen in your life time - you younger people.

The coming Kingdom of God is good news and we have a booklet on it, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, translated into more languages than have ever happened since the Church began in the second chapter of the Book of Acts (see Preaching the Gospel in Over 1500 Languages).

7:15-18

15 "I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 16 I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: 17 'Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.'

Yes, true Christians will reign in the Kingdom of God forever.

HWA

The saints are the church. Many of the saints are dead. That includes Peter, and Paul, and John, and Andrew, and Philip. They are going to be resurrected. That includes the church today. We're going to be there. I expect to be there.

Now if you like the governments and the way on earth today, and you want the agony as well as the ecstasy, you can have it. I don't want it. You can have it. If you want to be sick at your stomach and vomit and throw up and then go and eat your own vomit. Go ahead and do it. I don't want to.

I want the way of God (the right way, the happy way), that's the way I'm going to live. But the saints of the most High are going to take over all the governments. That's why we have to have government in the church. We're going to rule the rest of the nations. We have to learn how to govern and how to be governed in the church now, today. And you'll notice that many of them that have gone out of the church, their whole trouble is they don't like the government. They don't want the government of God. They want the government of man.

This is not just a problem for the world, the bulk of the true Christians do not accept the type of hierarchical governance God expects His Philadelphian Christians to follow. See also: The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government.

7:19-20a

19 "Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; 20 and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell,

The fourth beast with the ten horns is also shown in Revelation 17. This is the final Beast ridden by Mystery Babylon the Great:

3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written:

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. (Revelation 17:3-6)

7:20b-21

namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.
21 "I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them,

HWA

and a mouth that spake very great things, [which really represented the papacy and the Roman Catholic Church] whose look was more stout than his fellows. (21) I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints…
   And in history they have. They put the saints to death. The Catholic Church persecuted and put the saints to death That's the history of the Catholic Church. That's why God calls it a Great Whore, full of blasphemies and the worst thing that even God could call anyone. It's the worst counterfeit that ever happened.

7:22-24

22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.

23 "Thus he said:

'The fourth beast shall beA fourth kingdom on earth,Which shall be different from all other kingdoms,And shall devour the whole earth,Trample it and break it in pieces. 24 The ten horns are ten kings Who shall arise from this kingdom.And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones,And shall subdue three kings.

HWA

24) And the ten horns [Now get this. The ten horns out of that kingdom, that was that seventh head now of the Roman Empire] ...are ten kings [or kingdoms] that shall arise: and another shall rise after them…

That was the papacy now; and after them but before the bishops of Rome; the Heruli, the Ostergoths and the Vandals were passed out and plucked up by the roots. 

7:25

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law.Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.

HWA

They call him the most Holy Father. The Pope is NOT HOLY even. THAT'S BLASPHEMY TO CALL HIM.......GOD IS THE MOST HOLY FATHER. But they call the Pope that. I say that that is blasphemy. And if they had the power they'd lop my head off for saying that. That's what they would do. ...

They have changed the calendar. The have changed the time. They have changed the law of God. They have changed the Sabbath to Sunday. That's why they observe Sunday today. And the bishops of the Catholic Church and the Cardinals say that you can search the Bible from beginning to the end and you can't find A WORD telling you to observe Sunday.

I know because that's what I started to search the Bible for, to prove to my wife the Bible says "you should keep Sunday." It doesn't say it anywhere. You can't find it. I tried and I couldn't find it.

7:26-27

26 'But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion,To consume and destroy it forever. 27 Then the kingdom and dominion,And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'

HWA

{the saints} That is God's church. And the saints that are already dead will be resurrected. That will start back with old father Abraham and the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New. They'll be resurrected and the kingdom (the government) will be given to them. ...

Now, you see, you've got that as a background. Now we turn onto the thirteenth chapter of Revelation. The book of Revelation, and the thirteenth chapter of Revelation ties right up to it. Now of course there is a whole time sequence in Revelation. It would be nice to begin at the first of Revelation. And the second and third are the messages of Christ about the seven epics and eras of the church. And the fourth and the fifth show the throne of God; the sixth shows the opening of the seals; and the seventh and eighth and ninth, and so on show the time of the beginning of the Day of the Lord.

The book of Revelation is all about the time when God begins to intervene in world affairs. Now, here in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Revelation and John is telling what he saw in vision. He seemed to think he was taken in vision to…well he was on the Island of Patmos when this vision came to him.

7:28

28 "This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart."

Daniel was wise, God's prophet, had the dream from God, but did not understand it, though he did see it was about a greatly troubled time.

Chapter 8

8 In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me — to me, Daniel — after the one that appeared to me the first time. 2 I saw in the vision, and it so happened while I was looking, that I was in Shushan, the citadel, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision that I was by the River Ulai. 3 Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward, so that no animal could withstand him; nor was there any that could deliver from his hand, but he did according to his will and became great.
5 And as I was considering, suddenly a male goat came from the west, across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground; and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 6 Then he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing beside the river, and ran at him with furious power. 7 And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, attacked the ram, and broke his two horns. There was no power in the ram to withstand him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled him; and there was no one that could deliver the ram from his hand.
8 Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven. 9 And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered.
13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, "How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?"
14 And he said to me, "For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed."
Gabriel Interprets the Vision
15 Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision." 17 So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, "Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end."
18 Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright. 19 And he said, "Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. 20 The ram which you saw, having the two horns — they are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king. 22 As for the broken horn and the four that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall arise out of that nation, but not with its power.
23 "And in the latter time of their kingdom,When the transgressors have reached their fullness,A king shall arise,Having fierce features,Who understands sinister schemes. 24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;He shall destroy fearfully,And shall prosper and thrive;He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.
25 "Through his cunningHe shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart.He shall destroy many in their prosperity.He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;But he shall be broken without human means.
26 "And the vision of the evenings and morningsWhich was told is true;Therefore seal up the vision,For it refers to many days in the future."
27 And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king's business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.
Daniel's Prayer for the People
9 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans — 2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. 4 And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, 5 we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. 6 Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. 7 O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day — to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You.
8 "O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. 10 We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. 11 Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him. 12 And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole heaven such has never been done as what has been done to Jerusalem.
13 "As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth. 14 Therefore the Lord has kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon us; for the Lord our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice. 15 And now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made Yourself a name, as it is this day — we have sinned, we have done wickedly!
16 "O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. 17 Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord's sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. 19 O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name."
The Seventy-Weeks Prophecy
20 Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God, 21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. 23 At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:
24 "Seventy weeks are determinedFor your people and for your holy city,To finish the transgression,To make an end of sins,To make reconciliation for iniquity,To bring in everlasting righteousness,To seal up vision and prophecy,And to anoint the Most Holy.
25 "Know therefore and understand,That from the going forth of the commandTo restore and build JerusalemUntil Messiah the Prince,There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.
26 "And after the sixty-two weeksMessiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself;And the people of the prince who is to comeShall destroy the city and the sanctuary.The end of it shall be with a flood,And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;But in the middle of the weekHe shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,Even until the consummation, which is determined,Is poured out on the desolate."
Vision of the Glorious Man
10 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4 Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
Prophecies Concerning Persia and Greece
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
12 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."
15 When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. 16 And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, "My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me."
18 Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!"
So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."
20 Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.
11 "Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him.) 2 And now I will tell you the truth: Behold, three more kings will arise in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than them all; by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. 4 And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for others besides these.
Warring Kings of North and South
5 "Also the king of the South shall become strong, as well as one of his princes; and he shall gain power over him and have dominion. His dominion shall be a great dominion. 6 And at the end of some years they shall join forces, for the daughter of the king of the South shall go to the king of the North to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the power of her authority, and neither he nor his authority shall stand; but she shall be given up, with those who brought her, and with him who begot her, and with him who strengthened her in those times. 7 But from a branch of her roots one shall arise in his place, who shall come with an army, enter the fortress of the king of the North, and deal with them and prevail. 8 And he shall also carry their gods captive to Egypt, with their princes and their precious articles of silver and gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the North.
9 "Also the king of the North shall come to the kingdom of the king of the South, but shall return to his own land. 10 However his sons shall stir up strife, and assemble a multitude of great forces; and one shall certainly come and overwhelm and pass through; then he shall return to his fortress and stir up strife.
11 "And the king of the South shall be moved with rage, and go out and fight with him, with the king of the North, who shall muster a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into the hand of his enemy. 12 When he has taken away the multitude, his heart will be lifted up; and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail. 13 For the king of the North will return and muster a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come at the end of some years with a great army and much equipment.
14 "Now in those times many shall rise up against the king of the South. Also, violent men of your people shall exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they shall fall. 15 So the king of the North shall come and build a siege mound, and take a fortified city; and the forces of the South shall not withstand him. Even his choice troops shall have no strength to resist. 16 But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one shall stand against him. He shall stand in the Glorious Land with destruction in his power.
17 "He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do. And he shall give him the daughter of women to destroy it; but she shall not stand with him, or be for him. 18 After this he shall turn his face to the coastlands, and shall take many. But a ruler shall bring the reproach against them to an end; and with the reproach removed, he shall turn back on him. 19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fortress of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.
20 "There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle. 21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.
25 "He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. 28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land.
The Northern King's Blasphemies
29 "At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage.
"So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. 32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.
36 "Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.
The Northern King's Conquests
40 "At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. 44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
Prophecy of the End Time
12 "At that time Michael shall stand up,The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;And there shall be a time of trouble,Such as never was since there was a nation,Even to that time.And at that time your people shall be delivered,Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,Some to everlasting life,Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shineLike the brightness of the firmament,And those who turn many to righteousnessLike the stars forever and ever.
4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
5 Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?"
7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.
8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?"
9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.
11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.
13 "But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days."

NKJV