Exploring Daniel - Unraveling the Mysteries

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EXPLORING
THE BOOK OF DANIEL
Second Edition
CRISTOPHER V. LUAYA
FOREWORD BY
OLEG ZHIGANKOV, PHD

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Cover layout by Mishael I. Monterola
Edited by Roxie V. Pido
Proofread by James B. Rubrico, Sr.
Copyright © 2020 by Cristopher V. Luaya
All Rights Reserved
Published by
Cristopher Verian Luaya
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or
reproduced in any form or translated into other languages
without written permission from the publisher except in the case
of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James
Version, public domain.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Pastor’s
Bible, New International Version Large-Print Thinline Bible,
Pastor’s Edition, Copyright © 2000 by The Zondervan
Corporation. All Rights Reserved
The author assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of this
book. Email him through luayac@aiias.edu. Proceeds of this
book will go to the elementary building project of South
Philippine Adventist College.
ISBN: _______________________________________

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FOREWORD
Cristopher V. Luaya’s Exploring the Book of Daniel is
simple enough to ignite an interest of the novices and ample
enough to rejuvenate prophetic awareness of the mature
Christians. The briefness has been accomplished without
compromising of the comprehensiveness, allowing all the
major themes of the book Daniel to emerge before the reader.
The major accomplishment of the book is its uncompromising
historicist character. This trait sets the book apart from the
recent tendency of allegorizing prophetic narrative, and puts it
in line with the tradition that takes biblical text with all
seriousness.
Oleg Zhigankov, PhD
Professor, Systematic Theology
Adventist International Instituteof Advanced Studies

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ABOUT THE BOOK
ith its imagery and apocalyptic symbols, the book
of Daniel has been perceived as the most difficult
to understand in the Bible. Among the average
people on the street and even in Christian churches,
the prophecies of the book Daniel have been under-appreciated
and even ignored.
However, Exploring the Book of Daniel translates the
historical-prophetic tone of both books into lessons that relate
to us today. With vivid clarity and simplicity, this book unseals
the secrets of the book of Daniel. As you read this book, you
will be able to unravel the mystery that surrounds this book.
I praise the Lord that He gave me the time and opportunity
to read the whole book from cover to cover—dealing with the
historical-prophetic content, construction, interpretation of its
imagery, and the nature of its apocalyptic symbols. Reading the
book of Daniel gives me hope—the hope of eternallife (Titus
1:2; 3:7) and the assurance that Christ will come soon to
establish His eternal kingdom (Dan 7:27). These promises have
thrilled me with a great anticipation.
This book is written in plain language for pastors,
educators, and church members alike. With a desire that you
may be blessed with this book, I pray that you will make the
God of the prophet Daniel your God as well. He promised to
deliver us from this sin-sick world and take us home with Him
forever (John 14:1-3). Amen!
Cristopher V. Luaya
Northern Luzon Adventist College
2020
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
ratitude is expressed to Pr. James B. Rubrico Sr. who
allotted his time to proofread this book and offered
valuable suggestions. Diane Bloom Kobor who partly
edited my manuscript, which I also gained many good
insights. Moreover, I want to thank my over-all editor, Roxie
V. Pido, for his interest in this book. His suggestions are
appreciated.
I acknowledged those who wrote gracious blurbs:
Nicholas P. Miller, James B. Rubrico, Sr, and Roxie V. Pido.
Also, Oleg Zhigankov offered an excellent foreword and
helpful insights for which I am so much thankful. An
appreciation is also expressed to Mishael I. Monterola for his
exceptional cover layout.
I am grateful to my dear wife, Alvie, who has also
supported me in this project. My kids Chris Alwyne and Hailey
Nicole always inspired me to do something useful to people.
And, of course, I am deeply thankful to the God of Daniel
for giving me the much-needed inspiration to pursue this
project. Like what He did to the prophet Daniel, He guided
those who sincerely sought His guidance. Without Him, my
sleepless nights would have been in vain.
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DEDICATION
To Alvie, Chris Alwyne, and Hailey
Nicole—co-learners of the
book of the Daniel.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD.............................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................vii
CHAPTER 1................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................1
Dating....................................................................................................2
Nature...................................................................................................3
Division ................................................................................................3
Historical Context..............................................................................4
Themes..................................................................................................4
Outline ..................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2................................................................................................9
BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY (DANIEL 1)................................9
Captivity................................................................................................9
Changing of Names........................................................................10
Idolatry Introduced........................................................................10
Faithfulness of the Captives.........................................................11
Object Lesson..................................................................................12
For Personal Applications............................................................12
CHAPTER 3.............................................................................................14
WORLD EMPIRES PREDICTED (DANIEL 2)....................14
Kingdoms Foretold........................................................................14
Object Lesson..................................................................................18
CHAPTER 4.............................................................................................19
NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S GOLDEN IMAGE (DANIEL 3)
..................................................................................................................19
Wise Men’s Proposal......................................................................19
Decree................................................................................................20
“Looks Like a Son of the Gods”................................................21
Object Lesson..................................................................................23
CHAPTER 5.............................................................................................24

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THE KING’S INSANITY (DANIEL 4)...................................24
Dream................................................................................................24
Interpretation ...................................................................................25
Insanity...............................................................................................26
Restoration........................................................................................26
Object Lesson..................................................................................27
CHAPTER 6.............................................................................................29
WRITINGS ON THE WALL (DANIEL 5).............................29
Persian Invasion ..............................................................................29
Warning .............................................................................................30
The Queen’s Request.....................................................................30
Summoned........................................................................................31
Reminder...........................................................................................31
Interpretations .................................................................................32
Invaded..............................................................................................33
Object Lesson..................................................................................34
CHAPTER 7.............................................................................................35
IN THE LIONS’ DEN (DANIEL 6)..........................................35
Trapped..............................................................................................35
Daniel’s Custom..............................................................................36
Powerless King................................................................................37
An Answered Prayer......................................................................38
Object Lessons................................................................................39
CHAPTER 8.............................................................................................41
THE RISE OF THE “LITTLE HORN” POWER (DANIEL
7)...............................................................................................................41
Lion: Babylon...................................................................................41
Bear: Medo-Persia...........................................................................42
Leopard: Greece..............................................................................43
Dragon-Like: Rome........................................................................43
Little Horn: Why the Papacy?......................................................44
Judgment...........................................................................................48
More on the Papacy........................................................................48

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CHAPTER 9.............................................................................................52
THE LONGEST TIME PROPHECY (DANIEL 8)..............52
Two-Horned Ram: Medo-Persia................................................52
Goat: Greece....................................................................................52
Horn: Rome......................................................................................53
The Rise of the Little Horn ........................................................55
The 2300-Year Prophecy..............................................................56
Object Lesson..................................................................................58
CHAPTER 10...........................................................................................60
THE “CUT-OFF” PERIOD (DANIEL 9)...............................60
Daniel’s Prayer.................................................................................60
Gabriel Came Back.........................................................................63
The 70-Week Prophecy.................................................................63
Confirming the Date......................................................................65
Cut-Off Subdivided........................................................................66
Object Lesson..................................................................................67
CHAPTER 11...........................................................................................68
THE END-TIME “KING OF THE NORTH” (DANIEL 10-
12)............................................................................................................68
Conflict of the Ages.......................................................................71
Four More Kings in Persia...........................................................71
Grecian King....................................................................................72
Two Kingdoms in Conflict..........................................................73
Transition..........................................................................................81
Papacy’s Military Crusades...........................................................81
Vertical Attack of the Papacy......................................................87
Papal Malicious Acts......................................................................89
End-Time Kings in Conflicts ......................................................90
More on Post-1798 Period...........................................................91
CHAPTER 12...........................................................................................95
PAPACY AND ECUMENISM......................................................95
Sudden Shifts in the 21st Century Papacy.................................95
Impacts of Social Action to Ecumenism..................................98
Papacy’s Ecumenical Activities ...................................................99

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Frances I and Onwards...............................................................102
Charismatic Evangelical Leadership Conference (2014)....104
Regaining the Lost Supremacy..................................................106
Great Point At Issue ....................................................................110
Conclusion......................................................................................114
For Personal Applications..........................................................114
BIBLIOGRAPHY.................................................................................119

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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
here are OT scholars who believed that Daniel was
written by an unidentified Jew around 165 BC.
However,many Jews and Christians (including
Seventh-day Adventists) are equally convinced that the
prophet Daniel wrote his book in the sixth-century BC.
There are convincing evidences of his authorship. First,
the prophet received a divine mandate to preserve the book
(Dan 12:4). Second, Jesus mentions Daniel is really the author
of the book (Matt 24:15). And finally, the prophet Daniel
speaks in the first person (Dan 8:1-7, 13-19, 27; 9:2-22; 10:2-
5). Even though there are sections that the author himself
speaks in the third person (Dan 1:6-11, 17, 19, 21; 2:14-20) but
in works of ancient times such a practice is regularly observed
(see Ezra 7:28).
In fact,only a man living in the sixth-century BC could be
familiar with the history facts found in the book, which
knowledge of those facts soon extinct after the sixth-century
and found out only in recent times through archeological
research. When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered at
Qumran, it testified that the prophet Daniel was popular among
the community, whom cited Daniel as Scripture in the second-
century AD. If the book was written in the latter time, there
would be no enough time to circulate, venerate,and accept the
book as a canonical Scripture.1
Another argument posed by historical-critical scholars is
that the book was written in multiple authorships. However, the
arguments against the unity of the book of Daniel are,mostly,
based on alleged contradictions, duplicates (doublets),
peculiarities of style and vocabulary, alleged deficiency in
unity and progression between literary units, differences
between the Greek Septuagint and the Masoretic text, and,
most of all, the suggestions of the Maccabean thesis, which
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reasonable clarifications can still be made because the opinions
are not really that strong.
The whole book suggests that it was written at a single
sitting. In fact,there are various indicators for its unity and
single authorship. Arthur J. Ferch states,
For example, the several narratives presuppose each otherand
provide the necessary setting for the visions. Common themes
and chronological markers weave the twelve chapters into one
literary tapestry with chapter 7 as a central design intertwining
with both the historical and prophetic portions.Likewise, the
demonstrable chiastic structures as well as the marked,
progressive parallelism of the visions evidence the purpose and
design of a single mind.2
DATING
The dating of the book of Daniel is crucial. First, the
knowledge of the time of the writing of the book allows the
reader to see it in a specific historical situation. It sheds light
upon the events that contributed to the origin of the book in
order to illuminate its social, historical, and theological setting.
Second, Daniel contains narratives of events (Dan 1-6) to
involve Daniel and his three friends as exiles in Babylon, the
nation that captured Judah three times (586, 598, 605 BC). The
narratives present these four faithful heroes in situations of
severe testing and trial by some kings of the early and later
stages of the Neo-Babylonian Empire as well as the beginning
of the Persian Empire, i.e. from about 605-536 BC,to judge
from certain datelines (Dan 1:1; 2:1; 5:30-31). The dreams or
events pertaining King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3-4) or King
Belshazzar (Dan 5) purport to be contemporaneous accounts
from the times of these rulers. The various visions of the
prophet Daniel himself have explicit datelines (Dan 7:1; 8:1;
9:1; 10:1; 11:1), which place these visions (together with their
respective interpretations) into very specific time frames.
Third, the issue over the dating of the book of Daniel
reflects directly on the question of the historical nature and the
accuracy of the material contained in it. If God is able to
predict the future in such a carefulmanner, the book of Daniel
is not simply an encouragement for persecuted Jews in a crisis
with Antiochus IV in the second-century BC. Rather,it is full

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of actual predictive prophecy, revealing the divine
superintendence over history and the purpose of God from the
sixth-century BC to the end-time and the establishment of His
eternal kingdom.
Fourth, under the influence of the Enlightenment and on
the basis of philosophical concerns, the denial of predictive
prophecy in the book of Daniel has become the standard
position in modern historical-critical scholarship.
And fifth, the NT has a direct reference to Daniel from
Jesus as a prophet (Matt 24:15). Jesus mentions the
abomination of desolation,which refers to the prophecy as an
event to take place in the future. Is it not contradicting between
the consensus of historical-critical scholarship, which claims
that this event took place in the second-century BC, and the
words of Jesus that placed the event as still future in His time?3
NATURE
Scholars categorized the book of Daniel as an apocalyptic
literature. The word apocalyptic comes from Greek
apokalypsis,which means an unveiling or a revelation. Thus,
the book of Daniel, as well as the book of Revelation in the
NT, symbolically prophesied the course of human history and
the final advent of God’s kingdom.
DIVISION
The book of Daniel is divided into two parts. The first half
is historical (Dan 1-6), which records the life of the prophet
Daniel and his three friends who were Jewish exiles in
Babylon. The book of Daniel chapters 1-6 illustrates how God
vindicated and delivered those who remained faithful in the
midst of the ungodly nations. They contain the theme of trial
and trouble, which ended into elevation and glory. Trials and
temptations are followed by blessings for those submissive to
God. In fact, it contains the great message for today’s
Christians. And the second half is prophetic (Dan 7-12), which
is a record of the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar and visions
whom Daniel received.

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HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The prophet Daniel was taken into captivity into Babylon
during King Nebuchadnezzar’s first military siege in his first
Syrian campaign. Subsequently, the prophet Daniel and his
friends, all of royal blood, were selected to be educated at
Babylon’s best school. The prophet Daniel initially stayed in
Babylon for 19 years. That was also the remaining years of
Judah’s existence as a kingdom under the Babylonian control.
The ineffective anti-Babylonian policies of the last kings of
Judah brought finishing disasters to the Jewish nation.
Jehoiakim, the king of Judah during the prophet Daniel’s
captivity, stayed loyal to Babylon for few years. Unfortunately,
he finally accepted the policy of the Judean pro-Egyptian party
but rebelled later. Thus, King Nebuchadnezzar staged a total
subjugation of Judea. As a result, Jews totally lost their
freedom and were made captives under Babylon while
Jehoiakim lost his life. He was succeeded by his son
Jehoiachin, who reigned for only three months. He must have
seen the armies of Babylon punishing the Jews for their
disloyalty. In fact,he, along with thousands of the upper-class
Judean citizens, was made captives in 597 BC. He was
succeeded by Zedekiah, who tried to maintain his loyalty to
Babylon. Because he was weak and indecisive, he could not
endure the advancing forces of Egypt and the anti-Babylonian
sentiment of his chief advisers. Upon knowing Palestine’s
repeated revolts, King Nebuchadnezzar finally ended the
kingdom of Judah. Thus, in two and a half years, Babylon
ravaged Judah, captured and destroyed Jerusalem and the
surrounding cities, and took the majority of its dwellers to
Babylon in 586 BC.
THEMES
There are severalthemes to be found in the book of
Daniel. Below are the following.
TRIBULATION
Persecutors are King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 1, 3),
administrators and satraps (Dan 6), little horn (Dan 7, 8),
enemies of the Jews (Dan 9), Samaritans (Dan 9), and the king
of the north (Dan 11). On the other hand, those persecuted are

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the Jews (Dan 1); Shadrach, Meshach,and Abednego (Dan 3);
the prophet Daniel (Dan 6); the saints of the Most High (Dan 7
& 8); God’s people and the Anointed One (Dan 9); Jewish
returnees (Dan 10); and the glorious mountain of God (Dan
11).
MISSION
The book of Daniel assures that God remembers His
people, that the Messiah will come, and that His eternal
kingdom will be eventually established on earth. It also shows
God’s purpose of making his glory well-known among the
nations.
God displays His purpose in the faithfulness of His
people. Their faithfulness allowed them to tell the King
Nebuchadnezzar that God’s kingdom is spreading to the ends
of the earth like the tiny rock from the book of Daniel chapter 2
that grew into a great mountain. Thus, according to Jonathan
Akin, “Daniel isn’t merely a book of wonderful stories. It’s a
book of stories and prophecies—prophecies with profound
missiological implications for God’s people.”4
ESCHATOLOGY
The book is depicted as the most eschatological book in
the OT Scriptures. The vision in the book of Daniel chapter 8
“concerns the time of the end” (v. 17)—the “appointed time of
the end” (v. 19). Prophet Daniel’s book would be unsealed
“until the time of the end” (Dan 12:4). In fact, the book Daniel
chapter 2 extends when God will finally be established on
earth—the day when Jesus comes. Thus, according to Walter
C. Kaiser, the book of the prophet Daniel is “a specialized form
of prophecy that focuses on events surrounding the second
coming of Christ and the last things that God will do in history
before he ushers in the eternal state.”5
POWER ANDSOVEREIGNTY
The book of Daniel chapters 1-11 has demonstrated that
“God is the One who is in charge and that His will is
accomplished despite any opposing power. God is able to save
and protect. He has power over animals and over man. He
controls all the kings and their kingdom.”6
It also “emphasized

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that God’s purpose reaches its appointed goal, even if historical
and existential circumstances seems to make it impossible. Not
even death can frustrate the divine purpose.”7
KINGDOM
The end of chapter 7 clears out that God’s kingdom will
finally triumph in the end. It will be given to the One like the
Son of Man”8
and to the “saints of the Most High” (Dan 7:14,
27). God’s kingdom is eternalas well (Dan 7:27).
JUDGMENT
The name Daniel itself reflects the subject of a judgment.
He is literally my Judge is God,highlighting on the Judge. This
name starts and ends with references to judgment—at the start
apostate Israeland at the end the king of the north (Dan 11:40-
12:2). In the middle of the book (Dan 7:9-13), the prophet
Daniel portrays God as the Ancient of Days with books of
judgment open and infinite number of angels who are present.
Chapter 4 heaven judges the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar, the
proud monarch, and humbles him into animal status. In of
Daniel chapter 5, King Belshazzar, the proud grandson, was
weighed in the balances and found wanting. Moreover,
chapters 8 and 9 indicate the date of coming judgment while
chapter 12 spells out in detail its significance concerning
rewards and punishments.9
DELIVERANCEANDVINDICATION
The life of God’s people had been threatened (Dan 1, 3, 4,
etc.). However,God entered into the scene of human affairs
and delivered His people. God’s agents have been sent to
deliver His people and the result has been always positive.
The Bible presents God who delivered Israelfrom the
bondage of Egypt (Exod 3:8; Acts 7:34), Midianites (Judg 8),
and Philistines (2 Sam 5:25). Jerusalem was delivered from the
Assyrians (2 Kgs 19:35) and Babylon (Ezra 1:3). The book of
Daniel presents deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach,and
Abednego from the fiery furnace (Dan 3) and lions’ den (Dan
6). In fact, the book of Daniel chapter 12 portrays God’s
deliverance for His people—not from evil men but from Satan
himself. The saints became pilgrims and strangers in a foreign

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land. Many were persecuted and martyred,which blood has
been crying out to God for deliverance (Rev 6:9-11). However,
when Christ will descend upon the clouds then deliverance will
finally come upon them.
GREAT CONTROVERSY
The great controversy theme has been presented from the
prophet Daniel’s time until the end-time (Dan 2, 7, 8, 9, 10-12).
The book of Daniel accounts four visions, which concerns the
conflict between good and evil from Daniel’s time until the
end—especially chapter 2. However,God will ultimately set up
His kingdom, which crushes all earthly kingdoms (Dan 2, 7).10
OUTLINE
The outline is below:
A. Daniel 1—God’s People Victorious
B. Daniel 2—Kingdom’s Foretold
C. Daniel 3—Persecution
D. Daniel 4—Fallen King
D. Daniel 5—Fallen King
C. Daniel 6—Persecution
B. Daniel 7-9—Kingdoms’ Foretold
A. Daniel 10-12—God’s People Victorious
1See Gerhard Pfandl, Daniel: The Seer of Babylon
(Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, 2004), 10.
2See ArthurJ. Ferch, “Authorship,Theology, and Purpose of
Daniel,” in Symposium on Daniel, ed. Frank B. Holbrook
(Washington,DC: Biblical Research Institute,1986), 23.
3Gerhard F. Hasel, “Establishing a Date for the Book of
Daniel,” in Symposium on Daniel, ed. Frank B. Holbrook
(Washington,DC: Biblical Research Institute,1986), 86-91.
4Jonathan Akin, “Global Missions through the Bible:
Daniel,” para. 1, https://www.imb.org/2019/03/05/global-missions-
throughout-the-bible-daniel/ (accessed April 2, 2020).
5Walter C. Kaiser, Preaching and Teaching from the Old
Testament: A Guide for the Church (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2003),
161.
6Arthur A. Stele, “Resurrection in Daniel 12 and Its
Contribution to the Theology of the Book of Daniel” (PhD diss.,
Andrews University, 1996), 235.

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7Gerhard F. Hasel, “Resurrection in the Theology of Old
Testament Apocalyptic,” Zeitschrift fur die Altestamentliche
Wissenschaft 92 (1980): 282.
8“Aramaic kebar‘enash, literally, ‘like the son of man.’
According to the Aramaic usage,the phrase could be rendered ‘like a
man’. . . . Instead of the translation ‘a son of man’ the translation
“One, human in form’ would be more adequately represent the
Aramaic phrase. God chose to present His son in prophetic vision
with special emphasis on His humanity.” “Like the Son of Man,”
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, rev. ed., ed. Francis D.
Nichol (Washington,DC: Review & Herald, 1976-1980), 4:829.
9See Pfandl, Seer, 10-11.
10See Hotma S. P. Silitonga, “Continuity and Change in
World Rulers: A Comparative Study and Evaluation of Seventh-day
Adventist Interpretations of Daniel 11” (PhD diss., Adventist
International Institutes of Advanced Studies, 2001), 1.

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CHAPTER 2
BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY
(DANIEL 1)
n 605 BC, in the third year of king Jehoiakim (reigned 635-
597 BC), King Nebuchadnezzar (634-562 BC) besieged
Jerusalem. King Jehoiakim, along with some of the sacred
articles from God’s temple, was carried to Babylon. King
Nebuchadnezzar put those sacred things in the temple of his
god because they had no other place to deposit their treasures.
Moreover, they believed that their gods would protect their
wealth.1
CAPTIVITY
The prophet Daniel and his friends were taken captives
into Babylon. However, King Nebuchadnezzar commanded
Ashphenaz, his chief official, “to bring in some of the Israelites
from the royal family and the nobility—young men without
any physical defect, handsome showing aptitude for every kind
of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified
to serve in the king’s palace” (Dan 1:3, 4). They had to learn
the language and literature of the kingdom. So, the king
“assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the
king’s table.” (Dan 1:5a).
These captives “were to be trained for three years,and
after that they were to enter the king’s service” (Dan 1:5b).
King Nebuchadnezzar noticed in these youths the potential of
remarkable ability. So he ordered that they should be trained to
fill up important positions in Babylon. In order that they may
be qualified, the king arranged that they should learn the
language of the Chaldeans and that for three years they should
be allowed the rare educational advantages afforded princes of
the kingdom.2
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CHANGING OF NAMES
It was common to the Hebrew parents to attach great
significance to their children’s names and traits of character
that they should develop as they grow. Their name endings (-el,
-iah) are closely associated with the God of Israel. However,
their names were changed to represent Chaldean idols. Daniel
(God is my judge) was named into Belteshazzar (Prince of Bel
or Bel, protector of the king). His name is associated to that of
a Babylonian deity. Daniel’s friends Hananiah (Yahweh is
gracious)3
was changed to Shadrach (the servant of Sin,the
moon god), Mishael (who belongs to God)4
waschanged to
Meshach (who is what Aku5
is?)—an alteration of the Hebrew
name, and Azariah (Yahweh hashelped) was changed to
Abednego (a servant of Nabu,the Babylonian god of wisdom).
Though their names were changed but their loyalty to Yahweh
remained unchanged.6
IDOLATRY INTRODUCED
King Nebuchadnezzar introduced to Hebrew captives
idolatry. The king wanted to distort their appetites. He longed
that the youths would abandon their religious conviction in
favor of idolatry. He hoped to bring idolatry to them gradually.
By giving the Hebrew captives names significant of idolatry,
by bringing them daily into close link with idolatrous customs,
and by influencing them the seductive rites of heathen worship,
King Nebuchadnezzar hoped to convince them to renounce
their faith in God and to unite with the Babylonians’ way of
worship.
The faith of the Hebrews had been tested. How could they
eat the king’s food, which portion had been offered to idols?
They knew that the food from the king’s table was set apart to
idolatry and eating those foods would be paying worship to
Babylonian gods. That prevented the prophet Daniel and his
friends to join with other wise men. In fact,“even a mere
pretense of eating the food or drinking the wine would be a
denial of their faith. To do this would be to array themselves
with heathenism and to dishonor the principles of the law of
God.”7

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FAITHFULNESSOF THE CAPTIVES
Unwilling to compromise, the four Hebrews requested
nothing but vegetables and water for ten days (Dan 1:12, 13).
However,“at the end of the ten days they looked healthier and
better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal
food” (Dan 1:15). So the guard had nothing to do except to
give them vegetables (Dan 1:16). As a result, the captives were
given “knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature
and learning” (Dan 1:17a).
It was because of simple diets and life of prayer that the
young Hebrews received clearness of mind.8
In fact, they had
been bestowed knowledge and understanding of all kinds of
literature and learning. They had total allegiance and
dependence of their God. The prophet Daniel could understand
dreams and visions of all kinds (Dan 1:17b). The king found
none equal with the young Hebrews (Dan 1:18-19). The king
“found them ten times better than all the magicians and
enchanters in his whole kingdom” (Dan 1:20).
The court of Babylon was represented from all lands—
men of the highest talent, men endowed with natural gifts, and
possessed of the broadest culture that the world could give.
However,among them were the Hebrew youths without an
equal. Physically, mentally, and academically, they stood
unmatched. White says, “The erect form, the firm, elastic step,
the fair countenance,the undimmed senses,the untainted
breath—all were so many certificates of good habits, insignia
of the nobility with which nature honors those who are
obedient to her laws.”9
The prophet Daniel remained in Babylon until the first
year of Cyrus (Dan 1:21). The following were the kings he
worked with: King Nebuchadnezzar (605-561 BC), King Evil
Merodach (561-559 BC), King Neriglissar (559-556 BC), King
Laborodoarchod (nine months in 556 BC), and King
Nabonidis or Nabonidus (556-539 BC),whom co-reigned with
King Belshazzar for few years. After Babylon’s defeat in 538
BC, the prophet Daniel remarkably advanced his political
career during the rule of Darius to be the chief political leader
of the Medo-Persian Empire. Darius ruled from 539 to 537 BC.
The first year of Cyrus was between 537 BC and 536 BC—
years prior to the death of the prophet Daniel in 533 BC.

12
The prophet Daniel was faithful not because he was
blessed. Rather,he was blessed because he was faithful. In fact,
faithfulness is not a result of accident or it is due to favors or
awards of God. It is the consequence of self-discipline.
Through the faithfulness of the prophet Daniel (of course and
his friends also), God is speaking to Christians of today. White
commends, “There is need of men who like Daniel will do and
dare for the cause of right. Pure hearts,strong hands, fearless
courage, are needed; for the warfare between vice and virtue
calls for ceaseless vigilance. To every soul Satan comes with
temptation in many alluring forms on the point of indulgence
of appetite.”10
OBJECTLESSON
The young Hebrews’ faithfulness is worth emulating.
They stood firm in their spiritual standing before God and
rested upon the strength that who is infinite. As a result,
Babylon beheld an illustration of the goodness and beneficence
of God and of the love of Christ. “And in their experience we
have an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation, of
purity over depravity, of devotion and loyalty over atheism and
idolatry.”11
What the church needs today? The church needs today are
men who, like the prophet Daniel and his friends who “will do
and dare.” The world today needs “a pure heart and a strong,
fearless hand.” In fact,“God designed that man should be
constantly improving, daily reaching a higher point in the scale
of excellence. . . . Show a purity of tastes,appetite, and habits
that bears comparison with Daniel’s. God will reward you with
calm nerves, a clear brain, an unimpaired judgment, keen
perceptions. The youth of today whose principles are firm and
unwavering will be blessed with health of body, mind, and
soul.”12
FOR PERSONALAPPLICATIONS
1. Explain the lessons why God allowed the captivity to His people.
2. Why is faithfulness to God so important?
3. How will you fare in comparison to Daniel and his friends your
challenges to Sabbath-keeping, integrity to your business orjob,

13
relationship with non-Christian or non-Seventh-day Adventist
friends, etc.?
1See Loren M. K. Nelson, Understanding the Mysteries of
Daniel and Revelation (Coldwater, MI: Remnant, 2012), 16.
2See Ellen G. White, Prophetsand Kings (Mountain View,
CA: Pacific Press, 1943), 480. Emphasis mine.
3Siegfried H. Horn, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary,
rev. ed. (1979), s.v. “Hananiah.”
4See Horn, s.v. “Meshael.”
5Aku is a Sumerian moon god.
6See Horn, s.v. “Azariah”; Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F.
Bruce, and R. K. Harrison Compact Bible Dictionary,Nelson’s
Compact Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2004), 168, s.v.
“Daniel”; White, Kings, 480.
7White, Kings, 481.
8White, CD, 155.
9Ibid., 485.
10White, Prophets and Kings, 488.
11Ibid.
12Ellen G. White, Adventist Home (Hagerstown, MD:
Review & Herald, 1952), 301.

14
CHAPTER 3
WORLD’S EMPIRES PREDICTED (DANIEL
2)
ebuchadnezzar had dreams that its details were
forgotten. He summoned all the wise men1
to appear
before him and requested them to remember the
dream and give its detail. However,the wise men also
had a request. They could not do the king’s request until the
king would tell them the dream. Out of frustration, the king
decided to kill all the wise men due to their failure.
The death decree had been imposed. However,the young
Daniel met the king and volunteered to interpret the dream. His
appeal was granted. Along with his friends, the young Daniel
returned home and prayed together. The dream’s interpretation
was revealed to him in the night vision. The king asked if the
young Daniel could interpret the dream. Without any
hesitation, the young prophet was ready but gave God the
credit (Dan 2:26-28).
KINGDOMSFORETOLD
The prophet Daniel related to King Nebuchadnezzar a
large statue, enormous, dazzling, and awesome in appearance
that stood before the king. The head was made of pure gold,
chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of
iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay. A stone was cut
out not by human hands, struck the image’s feet. And the rock
became a great mountain that filled the whole earth.
GOLD: BABYLON
The prophet Daniel interpreted that the head of gold
represents Babylon (Dan 2:38). The proud monarch expressed
a breath of relief upon hearing such a commendation. In fact,
he had no thought of a possibility that his kingdom would be
replaced by another. Babylon ruled from 605-539 BC. The gold
N

15
is a fitting symbol of this great kingdom. This most precious
material was used in decorating its ancient construction.
SILVER: MEDO-PERSIA
The prophet Daniel was straightforward to the point.
Another kingdom, a symbol of silver, should rule over the
whole earth (Dan 2:39). In fact, he personally witnessed how
the silver kingdom replaced the golden Babylon. On October
13, 539 BC, Babylon came to an ignominious end. Cyrus the
Mede attacked Babylon. Confident in his kingdom capital,
King Belshazzar totally ignored the aggression.
Isaiah describes the military strategy of the Medes. This
kingdom would dry up the river Euphrates to defeat Babylon.
In fact,Isaiah even named Cyrus 150 years before his birth to
lead out this attack. Isaiah says, “Who says to the watery deep,
‘Be dry, and I will dry up your streams”. . . . This is what the
Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take
hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their
armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut”
(Isa 44:27; 45:1).
It happened as biblically predicted. Accidentally, when
Cyrus diverted the raging current of the water of the Euphrates
River the river gate was left unclosed. Brave soldiers of the
Medes marched through the dry land of the river and captured
the city. This new superpower ruled the most civilized world
from 539-331 BC.
BRONZE:GREECE
After Medo-Persia,another kingdom of bronze would rule
all over the earth (Dan 2:39). Alexander the Great defeated
Darius III at the battle of Arbela, Egypt in 331 BC.
Prophetically, armors worn by Greeks were made of bronze.
IRON: ROME
A fourth kingdom would arise after Greece and it shall be
as strong as iron (Dan 2:40). On June 22, 168 BC, at the battle
of Pyd na, Alexander’s empire finally ended 144 years after his
death. As predicted, the Roman Empire would be a cruel
nation, ruling with a rod of iron. Its kings were called Caesars.
They called themselves gods and demanded worship from men.

16
Christ was born during the time of the Caesars (Matt 22:21). A
more detailed discussion why it had to be Rome after Greece is
to be discussed later.
DIVIDEDKINGDOM: EUROPE
As indicated, next to Rome was a divided kingdom. No
world empire replaced Rome. When it lost its power, it would
be divided into ten Germanic kingdoms (Dan 2:41).
In 476 AD,the Roman Empire was divided into ten
divided segments. The barbarians were attracted to invade
Rome. They were Indo-European peoples who occupied in
communities beyond the Danube and Rhine frontiers of the
Roman Empire. Romans called them barbarians due to their
different cultures. Moreover, they were less civilized compared
to the Romans. The grandeur and wealth of the empire attracted
the barbarians for the purpose of seeking better homes and
convenient ways of living.
The disintegration of Rome was caused by many factors.
First is poverty and unemployment. Due to the frequent attacks
of the barbaric tribes towards the latter part of the second-
century AD the empire was drained economically. The result
was the sky-rocketing unemployment and poverty. Second is
political instability. The government was categorized as
politically instable. The senate and popular assembly were no
longer operational in affairs of the country. The emperor was
too much powerful at the mercy of the military and its generals.
Succession to the throne was commonly gained violently. Most
of the emperors after Marcus Aurelius were killed by army
officers or contenders of the throne. Moreover, soldiers had the
sealpower to select the new emperor. In fact,at his deathbed
Siptimius Severus (193-211 AD) remarked to his son, saying,
“Make the soldiers rich and don’t trouble about the rest.”2
The following are the tribes caused by invasions: Alemani
(Germany), Anglo-Saxons (England), Franks (France),
Visogoths (Spain), Burgundians (Swiss), Lombards (Italy),
Suevi (Portugal), and the Heruli, Vandals, and Ortrogoths (now
extinct).
More than forty nations of Europe today developed from
these ten tribes—some are weak and some are strong.
Attempting to unite Europe, “they will mix with one another in

17
marriage” (Dan 2:43a, RSV) to discredit Bible prophecies.
However,world wars 1 and 2 were not prevented. The text
insists that “they will not hold together, just as iron does not
mix with clay” (Dan 2:43b, RSV). Charlemagne (c. 742-814),
Charles V (1500-1558), Louis XIV (1638-1715), and Napoleon
Bonaparte (1769-1821) failed. Wilhelm (1914) and Hitler
(1930s to 1940s) of Germany wanted to unite Europe in one
flag but failed. Later, leaders wanted to unite the broken
Western Europe through the euro currency but not all accepted
it. In spite of human efforts to unite the fragmented Roman
Empire, the Bible is consistent that “they will not adhere to one
another.”
ROCK: CHRIST’S KINGDOM
In the days of the European disintegrated political career
the God of heaven will set up a kingdom, which is represented
by the rock which cut out without hands (Dan 2:44). This must
be a glorious episode—the coming of Jesus—the only event yet
to take place. Christ will come to establish His kingdom.
However,before that will happen, the gospel of the kingdom
shall be preach first into all nations (Matt 24:14). The text does
not tell that Christ will come if the entire world is converted.
Should the preaching of the Gospel be done soon, the next
glorious event will be Christ’s coming. His coming does not
depend on our acceptance but depending on the swiftness of
the preaching. The kingdom will be given to the people of God
Almighty (Dan 7:27).
The prophet Daniel sealed the interpretation by saying that
“the dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure” (Dan 2:45).
E. G. White closes,
In the annals of human history,the growth of nations,the rise
and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and
prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree,
to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the
word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above,
behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human
interest and power and passions,the agencies of the All-
merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His
own will.3

18
OBJECTLESSON
When something wrong went on, the prophet Daniel
sought the Lord for guidance. When he was given wisdom, all
was credited to his God. The wise men of Babylon were always
self-centered. While the prophet was consistently God-
centered. Surely, there is no growth or fruitfulness in the self-
centered life.
When God is accepted in the heart,self is forgotten and
others are served. Talk of God’s love, tell of His goodness.
Carry the burden of souls in your heart. By every means in
your capacity seek to save the lost. When the Spirit of Christ is
received, the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others, there
is growth and bringing forth fruit. The fruits of the spirit are
ripened in the character. Faith increases,convictions deepens,
and love is made perfect. Increasingly, one reflects
Christlikeness in all that is pure, noble, and lovely.4
1. Why a knowledge of the four great empires so important?
2. Why should we understand that the rock after the fourth kingdom
is Christ’s kingdom?
3. How can this dream encourage us that Jesus is really coming
very soon amidst uncertainties in the world today?
1Magicians refer to people who practice magic. Enchanters
refer to the practice of spirit medium (Deut 18:10; Jer 27:9).
Sorcerers referred to people who practiced witchcraft or assisted and
controlled by evil spirits. Astrologers were those who forecasted earth
events through the position of the planets, sun,moon, and different
signs of the zodiac at the specific moment of time. See Horn, SDABD,
s.v. “Magicians”; Horn, SDABD, s.v. “Sorcerer”; Horn, SDABD, s.v.
“Astrologers.”
2Quoted from Tim McNeese, Ancient Rome II, Julius Caesar
to the Decline (Dayton, OH: Milliken, 1991), 26.
4See Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington,
DC: Review & Herald, 1900), 67.

19
CHAPTER 4
NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S GOLDEN IMAGE
(DANIEL 3)
reviously, after the prophet Daniel interpreted the dream
of the great image to King Nebuchadnezzar, the king
declared, “Surely your God is the God of god and the
Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were
able to reveal this mystery” (Dan 2:47). The prophet was
straightforward, saying, “You are that head of gold” (Dan
2:38), which kept ringing in the king’s ears and deeply
impressed the king’s mind.
WISE MEN’SPROPOSAL
The wise men took advantage of King Nebuchadnezzar’s
return to idolatry. Thus, they proposed to make an image that
resembles to the one found in the book of Daniel chapter 2.
They wanted that all would see the head of gold that represents
his kingdom. Unfortunately, by this time, King
Nebuchadnezzar was not yet cleansed from his worldly
inclination and ambition. He still had the desire for self-
exaltation. Thus, he “made an image of gold, ninety feet high
and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the
province of Babylon” (Dan 3:1).
Today, the size of the image would be between nine and
ten stories high. If a pedestalis added (which supported most
massive images of that day), the image would men ten stories
high (or over a hundred feet). It was not image of King
Nebuchadnezzar but rather the image of the king’s dream.
However,this image was no longer made of multiple metals
but of pure gold from head to toe. According to Nelson, “The
dimensions are not in proportion to a man’s form, but rather
more in line with an obelisk, so common in the world at that
time!”1
What caused this king to build such a huge image? His
heart was filled with pride because of his prosperity. When
P

20
King Nebuchadnezzar stopped honoring God, he recommenced
his idol worship with amplified fanaticism and intolerance.
Suggested by the wise men, the king was determined to go
even further by excelling the original. Unlike in the book of
Daniel chapter 2, the image in chapter 3 should not deteriorate
in value from all over the whole body. In other words, the
whole image should be entirely of gold, a symbol of Babylon
as an eternal, imperishable, all-powerful kingdom, which
should break in pieces all other kingdoms.
To show his pride, King Nebuchadnezzar “summoned the
satraps,prefects,governors, advisers, treasurers,judges,
magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the
dedication of the image he had set up. So they assembled for
the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar established
and they stood before it” (Dan 3:2, 3).
DECREE
Obviously, the issue of worship came into focus. The
command is: “As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute,
zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down
worship the image of gold, and that whosoever does not fall
down and worship the image of gold, and that whosoever does
not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing
furnace” (Dan 3:9-11). However,faithfulness did not pass
unobserved. Astrologers noticed that there are Jews in the
empire that did not pay attention to the king of Babylon. They
were Shadrach,Meshach,and Abednego. The denouncers
reported to the king that these people “neither serve your gods
nor worship the image of gold you have set up” (Dan 3:12).
With the issue of worship in mind, enemies were ready to give
reports against those who remained faithful to the true God. For
the Hebrew captives,bowing down before the image the king
set up would be a renunciation of their faith. It would mean
exchanging the invisible God with the visible image.
King Nebuchadnezzar became very angry that he
summoned the violators to appear before him. However, the
prophet Daniel was not with them. He might be “absent on an
errand for the king.”2
The heathen king must have known that the Jewish people
do not worship idols. His question (“is it true?”) was based on

21
the accusation of the Chaldeans. In order to confirm it, King
Nebuchadnezzar commanded, “Now when you hear the sound
of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of
music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I
made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be
thrown immediately into a blazing furnace” (Dan 3:15a). He
even challenged the God of the prophet Daniel. With a sense of
a superior power, he challenged, “Then what god will be able
to rescue you from my hand?” (Dan 3:15b).
The threat, however, did not terrify the three brave
Hebrews. The king “could not turn men from their allegiance to
the Ruler of the universe. From the history of their fathers they
had learned that disobedience to God results in dishonor,
disaster, and death; and that the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom, the foundation of all true prosperity.”3
With due respect to the king, the three young men said, “O
Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before
you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,
the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue
us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want
you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or
worship the image of gold you have set up” (Dan 3: 16-18).
Their bravery challenged King Nebuchadnezzar—that he
was even more furious and “his attitude toward them changed”
(Dan 3:19a). As a result, he commanded that the furnace
should be heated “seven times hotter than usual” (Dan 3:19b).
Tied up, the Hebrew men were thrown into the fiery furnace.
Due to its unusual hotness, it killed five strong soldiers who
threw Shadrach, Meshach,and Abednego.
“LOOKSLIKE ASON OF THE GODS”
With his very eyes, King Nebuchadnezzar witnessed the
liberating power of God. With terrible amazement, he asked,
“Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the
fire?” (Dan 3:24). At this time, he saw “four men walking
around the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks
like a son of the gods” (Dan 3:25, emphasis mine). He
recognized the fourth one as an angel sent to rescue God’s
servants (Dan 3:28, emphasis mine).

22
Whenever the son of God appeared in OT times, He
would appear as “the angel of the Lord.” When God’s Son
appeared to Moses in the burning bush, there He appeared as
“the angel of the Lord” (Exod 3:2). However,when He spoke,
He said that He is God—“the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac and the God of Jacob” (Exod 3:6). This Angel-God
commanded Moses to go to Egypt and would bring the
Israelites out of Egypt. Moses asked to this Angel-God,
“Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of
your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his
name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (Exod 3:13). The pre-
incarnated Son of God answered to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.
This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me
to you’” (Exod 3:14).
The angel of God in the fiery furnace must be God
Himself, the Son of God Himself, Jesus in his pre-incarnate
form, and the I ambefore Abraham was born (John 8:58). Jesus
remembered His people. As they were cast into the fiery
furnace,Jesus revealed Himself to them in person (theophany)
and walked together with them through the fire. In God’s
presence,the fire lost its power to consume the victims.4
King Nebuchadnezzar “then approached the opening of
the blazing furnace and shouted, ‘Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come
here!’” (Dan 3:26). Then, the punished “came out of the fire,
and the satraps, prefects,governors and royal advisers crowded
around them. They saw the fire had not harmed their bodies,
nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not
scorched,and there was no smell on fore on them” (Dan 3:26-
27).
Faithfulness shall not pass without being rewarded. These
three brave men were promoted in the province of Babylon.
They were promoted because they were faithful and not they
were faithful that is why they were promoted. The king
declared, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!
They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were
willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any
god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of
any nation or language who say anything against the God of

23
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their
houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save
in this way” (Dan 3:28-29).
OBJECTLESSON
It is only by faithfulness in the little things can someone
be trained to faithfulness in larger responsibilities. God brought
the prophet Daniel and his friends to mingle with the great of
Babylon so these heathen men might be acquainted with the
true God and with the principles of true religion. He was to
represent the true character of God in the midst of a nation of
idolaters. His faithfulness fitted him for a position so great trust
and honor. Faithfulness gave complexion to his whole life.
There might be pressures and persecutions. However,
faithfulness really makes a difference. As promised, Jesus will
walk with His people through the fire. God does not promise a
life free of persecution. However,though persecuted,God’s
faithful people will come out with Him preserved and
rewarded.
1. Idolatry is not just bowing image. It also includes anything or
anyone we prioritize above God. Can you find other ways, much
more subtle ways, which we can end up worshipping other than
our God?
2. If this incident ended up with the death of the young Hebrew
men in the fiery furnace, can we still trust the God whom they
serve?
3. What is your personal answer to the question:“Who is that God
that shall deliver you out of my hands?”
1Nelson, 36.
2William H. Shea, Daniel: A Reader’s Guide (Nampa, ID:
Pacific Press, 2005), 69.
4Ibid., 508.

24
CHAPTER 5
THE KING’S INSANITY
(DANIEL 4)
his chapter records King Nebuchadnezzar’s insanity
that happened in 569 BC. The aged Daniel was in his
fifties at this time. It is an important record because it
appears to have been written by the king himself—after
seven years of his madness. Unlike the book of Daniel chapter
2, the king here remembered what he dreamed. Like what
happened in the book of Daniel chapter 2, Chaldeans again
failed to interpret the dream.
In verses 1-3, King Nebuchadnezzar poetically expresses
God’s majesty and dominion. After that, he directly goes on to
recount his awful experience.
DREAM
One day, when King Nebuchadnezzar was at home in his
palace “contented and prosperous” (Dan 4:4), he had a dream
that made him troubled. Terrified by what he had seen in
images and visions, he commanded that all the wise men of the
kingdom be brought before him in order to interpret the dream
for him. However,they “could not interpret the dream” (Dan
4:7). The prophet Daniel arrived. The king remembered what
had accomplished some 31 years ago when he interpreted the
great metallic image of Dan 2. Without any hesitation, King
Nebuchadnezzar told Daniel, the chief of the magicians, “I
know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery
is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me”
(Dan 4:10).
Then he started relating his dream.
These are the visions I saw while lying in my bed: I looked, and
there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height
was enormous. The tree grew large and strong and its top
touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves
were beautiful, its fruit abundant,and on it was food for all.
Under it the beasts ofthe field found shelter, and the birds of the
T

25
air lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed. In the
visions I saw while lying in my bed, I looked, and there before
me was a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven.He
called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its
branches; strip off its leaves and scatterits fruit. Let the animals
flee from underit and the birds from its branches. But let the
stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the
ground,in the grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the
dew of heaven,and let him live with the animals among the
plants of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man
and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass
by for him. The decision is announced by messengers,the holy
ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the
Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives
them to anyone he wishes and sets overthem the lowliest of
men.’ This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now,
Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in
my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the
spirit of the holy gods is in you.1
After hearing the king, the aged prophet Daniel “was
perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him” (Dan
4:19). He “must have been embarrassed over the responsibility
of disclosing its fearfulimport to the king.”2
In fact, King
Nebuchadnezzar noticed that the prophet was alarmed. The
king says,“Belteshazzar, do not the dream or its meaning
alarm you” (Dan 4:20). The prophet Daniel was looking for
safe words to inform the king about his fate. His answers,“My
lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning
to your adversaries!” (Dan 4:19). The prophet Daniel had in
mind that the dream would apply to King Nebuchadnezzar’s
enemies. However, God gave him the interpretation. Then he
clarified and presented God’s message intended for the king.
INTERPRETATION
After finding the suitable words, the prophet says,“You,
O king, are that tree” (Dan 4:22). It appears that he praised
King Nebuchadnezzar’s power and greatness. He even
continued praising the proud king, by saying, “You have
become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it
reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant part of
the earth” (Dan 4:22).

26
The prophet Daniel never thought of changing God’s
message. He told King Nebuchadnezzar that he “will be driven
away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will
eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven.
Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that
the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and give
them to anyone he wishes” (Dan 4:25).
The phrase “seven times” is not to be interpreted as a day-
year principle (Ezek 4:6). According to Pfandl, “The reason the
year-day principle is not used in this chapter is that fact that
Daniel [chapter] 4 is a historical chapter, not an apocalyptic
one.”3
The fate of King Nebuchadnezzar was totally conditional.
The prophet Daniel advised the king to renounce his sins and
do what is right. By doing the above advice, his prosperity
might continue (Dan 4:27). Nevertheless, the prophet Daniel’s
plea did not change King Nebuchadnezzar’s heart. In fact,he
remained on top of his place and proudly said, “Is not this the
great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty
power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Dan 4:30). The
king’s character determined his destiny. He got lycanthropy, an
animal-like or wolf-like illness, which characteristics “is the
complete negligence of personal hygiene.”4
INSANITY
Because King Nebuchadnezzar did not repent, he “was
driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body
was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like
the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird”
(Dan 4:33). “When Nebuchadnezzar glorified himself, and did
not give praise to God, he was made an example before the
world of how God regards this spirit of self-exaltation.”5
RESTORATION
Then after seven years,he recognized the true God and his
sanity was restored (Dan 4:34). When the humbled monarch
prayerfully looked up to heaven he was elevated from the
illness of a brute animal to that of a being bearing God’s image.
From that time on, his life is characterized by praising,
honoring, and glorifying God.

27
King Nebuchadnezzar recognizes God’s “dominion is an
eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to
generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the
peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to
him: ‘What have you done?’” (Dan 4:34-35).
It was only when the king humbled himself before God
that his sanity was restored,his honor and splendor was
returned unto him. “His advisers and nobles sought him out,
and he was restored to his throne “and became even greater
than before” (Dan 4:36). The hope of everyone is expressed
through the mouth of a heathen king. He says that “those who
walk in pride he is able to humble” (Dan 4:37).
OBJECTLESSON
It was God’s purpose that Babylon, the greatest kingdom
in the world at that time, would reveal forth who God is. It was
fulfilled! His acknowledgment of the mercy, goodness, and
authority of God “was the last act of his life recorded in sacred
history.”6
In other words, King Nebuchadnezzar was finally
converted. He “praise[d] and exalt[ed] and glorif[ied] the King
of heaven” and declared that “everything he [God] does is right
and all his ways are just” (Dan 4:37).
King Nebuchadnezzar’s experience has lessons for us
today. If we just love God, everything that happens to us will
be for a purpose of molding our inclinations after His will. If
we exalt ourselves, God will teach us lessons to humble us. It is
important for us to know that apart from Him we can do
nothing. If we humble ourselves, He is the one who will exalt
us. When he started to recognize God’s sovereignty and power,
it was only then that His prosperity continued.
1. Explain the difference between pride and high self-esteem.
2. Also, explain the difference between humility and low self-
esteem?
3. Do you think a humble person can be respected and followed?
Explain.
4. Did Jesus teach humility? How can we learn from Him?

28
1Dan 4:11-18.
2“Astonied,” SBABC, 4:791.
3Gerhard Pfandl, “Why Should the Seven Times in Daniel 4
Not Be Interpreted With the Year-Day Principle,” Interpreting
Scripture:Bible Questions and Answers, Biblical Research Institute
Studies, vol. 2, ed. Gerhard Pfandl (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical
Research Institute, 2010), 241. Emphasis mine.
4Nelson, 41. See also Shea, 53.
5Ellen G. White, Review & Herald, June 1889, para. 16.

29
CHAPTER 6
WRITINGS ON THE WALL
(DANIEL 5)
abonidus, when he was in Lebanon recovering from
sickness and before he pursued his campaign against
Tema in western Arabia, appointed the kingship to
Belshazzar, his eldest son, in Babylon. As a coregent
with his father,the proud manipulated the affairs in the
kingdom.
PERSIAN INVASION
It was not hidden to King Belshazzar that the combined
forces of Medes and Persian, through the command of King
Cyrus, were outside the city having their military campaign
against Babylon. In spite of such a scenario outside of the city,
King Belshazzar still “gave a great banquet for a thousand of
his nobles and drank wine with them” (Dan 5:1).
It was a self-sponsored banquet. All the attractions that
riches and power could command added splendor to the scene.
Women beautified the scene. Men of genius and education
were also in attendance. Princes and statesmen drank wine like
water and partied under its maddening effect.1
Feeling secure in the place and fully intoxicated, he
arrogantly “gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets
that Nebuchadnezzar his [grand] father had taken from the
temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives
and his concubines might drink from them. Thus, they brought
in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God
in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his
concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they
praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and
stone” (Dan 5:2-4).
N

30
WARNING
God does not execute any judgment without any proper
warning beforehand. God’s patience with King Belshazzar
came to its full limit. Like King Nebuchadnezzar, God wanted
King Belshazzar to teach some lessons in life. Taking for
granted the conversion of his grandfather, the proud king along
with his guests and visitors, enjoyed the festivity when the
fingers of a human hand suddenly “appeared and wrote on the
plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal place” (Dan
5:5). Terrified, his face became pale and “his knees knocked
together and his legs gave way” (Dan 5:6).
Failed to read the writings himself, King Belshazzar called
the wise men in Babylon and said, “Whoever reads this writing
and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a
gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the
third highest ruler in the kingdom” (Dan 5:7). King Belshazzar
promised position, fame, and security without knowing that it
was his end. The so-called wise men came in. The same what
had happened in Dan 2 and 3, they failed for “they could not
read the writing or tell the king what it means” (Dan 5:8). As a
result, he was even more horrified and his face grew paler.
Along with his nobles, the king baffled (Dan 5:9).
THE QUEEN’SREQUEST
Knowing her grandson’s dilemma, the queen mother
introduced the aged prophet Daniel to the king. She appeared in
the banquet hall. While her son’s look was paler and paler and
his countenance looked greatly alarmed, she tried to pacify and
said, “There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the
holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to
have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods.
King Nebuchadnezzar your [grand] father—your father the
king, I say — appointed him chief of the magicians,
enchanters,astrologers and diviners. This man Daniel, whom
the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind
and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to
interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems.
Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means”
(Dan 5:10-12).

31
SUMMONED
The prophet Daniel was summoned to appear before the
king. When he arrived, the King Belshazzar asked, “Are you
Daniel, one of the exiles of my father the king brought from
Judah? I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that
you have the insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom”
(Dan 5:13-14).
It appears that the prophet Daniel had already retired in
the public office as it appears that he was hostile to the king.
King Belshazzar had no other option except to accept the
suggestion of the queen mother. King Belshazzar told the
prophet Daniel that he already had summoned the wise men but
of no avail. They could not explain the writings on the wall. He
was promised that if he could read and interpret the writings,
he would be given gifts. He would be clothed in purple and a
gold chain upon his neck, and would be made the third highest
ruler in Babylon (Dan 5:16).
King Belshazzar must have heard about the prophet
Daniel. It is not surprising anyway because the prophet was a
part of Babylonian’s history. Until the last breath of King
Nebuchadnezzar, the prophet served Babylon faithfully.
God did not allow King Belshazzar to just hear about the
prophet Daniel. God crossed each other’s paths so the proud
king would humble himself before Him. However,his
drunkenness made him insensible of God’s love. The prophet
Daniel was not interested with the gifts. He says, “You may
keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone
else. Nevertheless,I will read the writing for the king and tell
him what it means” (Dan 5:17). He met his fate that very day.
REMINDER
The prophet Daniel reminded King Belshazzar that it was
God who gave King Nebuchadnezzar “sovereignty and
greatness and glory and splendor” (Dan 5:18). Before the
prophet Daniel read and interpreted the writings, he reminded
King Belshazzar that King Nebuchadnezzar’s experience was
the result of his refusalto fulfill the divine destiny with regard
to himself and this nation. In addition, Nebuchadnezzar was
mightier and more prudent than King Belshazzar. The prophet

32
Daniel showed that King Belshazzar acted wickedly toward
God and did not learn from the experience of his grandfather.
E. G. White says,
The prophet first reminded Belshazzar of matters with which he
was familiar, but which had not taught him the lesson of
humility that might have saved him. He spoke of
Nebuchadnezzar’s sin and fall, and of the Lord’s dealings with
him—the dominion and glory bestowed upon him, the divine
judgment for his pride, and his subsequent acknowledgment of
the power and mercy of the God of Israel; and then in bold and
emphatic words he rebuked Belshazzar for his great wickedness.
He held the king’s sin up before him, showing him the lessons
he might have learned but did not. Belshazzar had not read
aright the experience of his grandfather, nor heeded the warning
of events so significant to himself. The opportunity of knowing
and obeying the true God had been given him, but had not been
taken to heart, and he was about to reap the consequence ofhis
rebellion.2
It was because of God why “all the peoples and nations
and men of every language dreaded and feared him” (Dan
5:19a). With regards to King Nebuchadnezzar the prophet
Daniel goes on to say, “Those the king wanted to put to death,
he put to death; those he wanted to spare,he spared; those he
wanted to promoted, he promoted; and those he wanted to
humble, he humbled” (Dan 5:19b). However,“when his heart
became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed
from his royal throne and stripped of his glory” (Dan 5:20).
The prophet Daniel recalled to King Belshazzar the
experience of his grandfather recorded in the book of Daniel
chapter 4 (Dan 5:21). Now, the prophet personalizes the story.
He reminded King Belshazzar that he was knowingly aware of
his prideful heart (Dan 5:22). The prophet was straightforward
when he told the king that his wickedness was the reason why
God sent the inscription on the wall.
INTERPRETATIONS
The prophet Daniel is now ready to unfold the fulfillment
he told to King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:39) some 31 years ago.
He saw it happened—the silver replacing the gold of the great
metallic image. He immediately read the inscriptions.
However,the writings could not be understood without any

33
divine illumination. It is written as “MENE, MENE, TEKEL,
PARSIN (Dan 5:25).
The prophet Daniel did not hang King Belshazzar without
giving their hidden meaning. The prophet told the king that
Mene means that God has numbered the days of his rule and
brought it to an end. The repetition signifies its speedy
fulfillment. Tekel means that King Belshazzar has been
evaluated on the balances and found deficient. Peres or Parsin
means that Babylon is divided and would be given to the
Medo-Persians (Dan 5:26-28). The prophet Daniel warned
King Belshazzar beforehand that he was not interested with
gifts. But as mandated, he “was clothed in purple, a gold chain
was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third
highest ruler in the kingdom” (Dan 5:29).
INVADED
The prophet Daniel had just finished interpreting when the
king received a report that the Medo-Persian armies had just
captured the city. They diverted the Euphrates River which ran
through the city and marched through the dried river only to
discover the river gate was not closed. The armies of Cyrus
shouted for victory while the men of King Belshazzar terrified
of the chaos.
King Cyrus’ presence outside of the city was not hidden to
Belshazzar. He only ignored the invasion. He was confident
that Cyrus could not come into his so-called fortified city. The
water current of the Euphrates was so strong that it was
impossible for Cyrus to enter the walled city. However,when
the water was diverted and the river was dried up, King
Belshazzar and his subjects found out that Cyrus and his
soldiers were already inside the so-called safe city.
King Cyrus is antitype of Jesus Christ. In the book of
Revelation,in the sixth plague, uses this OT event with a
symbolical application. Babylon here represents a false
religious system in the last days. The water,which symbolizes
the mass of people who supported her (Rev 17:15), will
withdraw their support to prepare the way for the coming of the
kings of the East (Rev 16:12). Literally, the king from the East
was fulfilled to Cyrus. However,symbolically, it represents

34
Christ and his countless angels in the Second Coming (Matt
24:27).
In the same way, the coming of Christ will not be hidden
to Babylon. She will only ignore His imminent presence—
believing that the water support continues. Thus, the downfall
of Babylon depends on the withdrawal of supports from her
own people. As a result, the nations of the earth will hate her
(see Rev 17:16).
OBJECTLESSON
1. King Belshazzar did not learn from the experience of his
grandfather Nebuchadnezzar. How can you evade falling into the
same trap of not learning from the experience of others?
2. What happens to those who forget the past when it is important
to know what God has done in the past history?
3. Explain what was the most offensive sin of King Belshazzar?
4. In what way can the judgment of Babylon under King
Belshazzar’s reign gives you the assurance that,in the end, the
forces of evil will be defeated?
1See White, Prophetsand Kings, 523.

35
CHAPTER 7
IN THE LIONS’ DEN
(DANIEL 6)
his chapter again unfolds the issue of worship. The
prophet Daniel had to face his enemies through
obedience. However,for various times the prophet has
been found obedient though it would cost his own life.
TRAPPED
The king at this time was King Darius the Mede—the
successor of King Belshazzar to the throne (Dan 5:31). He was
the son of King Ahasuerus from the lineage of the Medes (Dan
9:1). The identity of King Darius was quite uncertain because
he was not mentioned by Greek historians or in any Persian
literature.
Darius was the Persian king who made the prophet Daniel
a governor of 120 provincial leaders (Dan 6:1-2). His
administrative abilities impressed the king. Over the three
presidents, he was the first because “an excellent spirit was in
him.”1
Thus, the above honor, as well his blameless conduct,
causes the rest of the governors jealous of the prophet Daniel.
The prophet Daniel was blameless. There was nothing that
they could do to accuse against him. They realized that they
“will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel,”
selected governors and satraps say to each other, “unless it has
something to do with the law of his God” (Dan 6:5). They had
to frame the prophet Daniel. They had to produce a situation so
the prophet would have to face with the dilemma of obeying
either God’s law or the law of the empire. Surely, the prophet
Daniel would side God’s law above the empires.
They agreed that “the king should issue an edict and
enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man
during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be
thrown into the lions’ den” (Dan 6:7). Obviously, it was a
conspiracy. He thought that, through the 120 satraps
T

36
(governors), his administration would be more efficient.
However,such action causes some dangers in the long run
because an influential governor could raise a rebellion and split
the empire.
Thus, a law forcing everyone to petition only to the king
for 30 days seems to be a good strategy to maintain allegiance
to the king and to avoid any kind of sedition. But the prophet
Daniel’s jealous colleagues led the king to believe that he was
already consented with their decision. However,the aged
prophet was not aware of the proposal made by the wise men.
The king believed the lie and made the proposal a new law.
There is no record that Persian kings ever claimed divine
status. Anyway, the decree was only intended to make the king
the sole representative of the gods for 30 days. In other words,
prayers to the gods should be offered to the king. However,
king Darius failed to investigate the motives behind the
proposal. The law to supposedly prevent conspiracy in the
kingdom was in itself a conspiracy to hurt his friend the
prophet Daniel.
All his life, the prophet Daniel has been the man of God.
He was at this time in his eighties and his enemies still could
not fault him. They could only attack him through his religion.
In fact,Daniel could have ceased praying for a month. He
could also have prayed in secret places.
However,doing those would be a compromise as he had
been practicing it since he was a boy. Thus, his opponents have
him. Even the king’s hands are tied up by his own law.
However,God’s hands are not tied. In fact,he was safer from
harm in the lions’ den as his friends had been in the fiery
furnace.
THE PROPHETDANIEL’S CUSTOM
For king Darius, his decree would toughen his kingdom.
However,for the plotters it was a scheme to rid of the prophet
Daniel. It was only the prophet Daniel and his God who could
understand the lies behind the king’s new law.
The prophet Daniel also understood the realcauses and
motives behind the plot in the wider scheme—in the ongoing
cosmic battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil.
At this time (539 BC), the prophet Daniel already received the

37
visions recorded in the book of Daniel chapters 7 (553 BC) and
8 (551 BC). So, he now understood that the king’s decree was
not a matter of human politics but as an illustration of this
cosmic war. According to Elias Brazil de Souza, “The vision of
the Son of man delivering the kingdom to the people of the
Most High and the comforting assistance of the angel
interpreter (Daniel 7) may have brought him the courage to
face the crisis head-on. He also may have reflected on the
experience of his companions, who have been brave enough to
challenge the decree of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3).”2
The fearless prophet Daniel did not change his devotional
habits. When the proposal was finally signed and announced,
the faithful prophet still went home and, as was his habit,
opened his window. Facing toward Jerusalem, he got down on
his knees and prayed three times a day— untiringly giving
thanks to the God of heaven (see Dan 6:10). His prayer life
demonstrated that his faithfulness to God comes before his
loyalty to the king and his irreversible decree.
It was not the number of prayers that made the prophet
Daniel righteous before God. Rather,it was his appointment
with his God that matters most. There are various positions in
praying. Bible heroes pray while sitting such as David (2 Sam
7:18), bowing such as Eliezer (Gen 24:26) and Elijah (1 Kgs
18:42), and standing such as Hannah (1 Sam 1:26). However,
the common position is kneeling such as Ezra (Ezra 9:5), Jesus
(Luke 22:41) and Stephen (Acts 7:60).
POWERLESSKING
The prophet Daniel’s jealous colleagues soon spotted him
praying—doing exactly what the order was forbidden. They
brought his case in demeaning way, referring to the prophet
“Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah” (Dan 6:13a). In
their eyes,the first governor among them, the king’s favorite, is
no more than an exile. Moreover, they accused the prophet of
paying “no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in
writing. He still prays three times a day” (Dan 6:13b).
King Darius wanted to save his dearest friend but his own
decree trapped him. In fact,he was totally distressed that he
wanted “to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown
to save him” (Dan 6:14). However, the prophet’s accusers were

38
persistent, saying, “Remember, O king, that according to the
law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king
issues can be changed” (Dan 6:15). The law of the Medes and
Persians must be implemented to the letter. This reminds
political leaders to implement enacted laws to the letter
regardless of the people involve.
Powerless to save his friend, king Darius ordered to throw
the aged Daniel into the den of the lions. King Darius was
seemed to be fully aware of the miraculous things happened in
the past (Dan 1-5). “May your God,” he whispered to his friend
the prophet Daniel, “whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
(Dan 6:16). Thus, “a stone was brought and placed over the
mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet
ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation
might not be changed” (Dan 6:17).
The sealing had a purpose. It was a guarantee that prophet
Daniel would not be killed by any other means. The prophet’s
enemies could not do anything bad if he would not be killed by
the lions. The king fasted and had no sleep the whole night. He
did not leave his friend Daniel’s fate to change. King Darius
hopefully believed that the God who delivered the prophet’s
three friends from the fiery furnace could also do the same to
him in the lion’s den.
AN ANSWERED PRAYER
King Darius had no sleep the whole night. Very early in
the morning, he got up and hurriedly went to the lion’s den.
Then, he called his friend in an anguished voice, saying,
“Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you
serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
(Dan 6:20). The king’s words reveala decree of acquaintance
with the prophet Daniel’s God and religion. His call of the
prophet Daniel’s God as the “living God” suggests that the
prophet instructed him concerning the nature and the power of
his God.
The prophet Daniel joyfully greeted king Darius, saying,
“O King, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the
mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was
found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong
before you, O king” (Dan 6:21-22). Not only that the king

39
found relief, the Bible records that Darius was overjoyed
because God saved his dearest friend. It clearly shows that
Darius truly recognized the living God of the prophet Daniel
(Dan 6:25-28). The prophet Daniel prospered during the reign
of king Darius the Mede and king Cyrus the Persian, king
Darius’ nephew.
Thus, without a second of delay, king Darius then ordered
to take out the prophet Daniel from the den. Amazingly, he
found out that “no wound was found on him, because he had
trusted in his God” (Dan 6:23). Now, fully aware of jealousy
among his wise men, Darius commanded that those “who
falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the
lion’s den, along with their wives and children. And before
they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them
and crushed all their bones” (Dan 6:24). The wives and
children who were innocent suffered the same destiny as the
guilty ones. However,according to the ancient Persian
principle, “the entire family bears responsibility for the offense
of a family member. This doesn’t mean it’s right; it means only
that is story fits with what we know about Persian law.”3
OBJECTLESSONS
Various lessons can be found in here. First, the prophet
Daniel was miraculously saved.It simply gives a message that
God does not forget His people in the past, at present, and in
the future. Second, his faithfulness rewarded. His faithfulness
was faithfulness against all odds. However, the prophet’s
faithfulness should be our model. Our faithfulness is an
important ingredient of our walk with God for it will surely
stimulate the fury of Satan and wicked people.
Third, evil punished.Evil may appear victorious at first
glance. However,in the ongoing great controversy God’s
victory has been assured. Fourth, his prayer life gave him
strength to become victorious in his struggle with the forces of
evil. “Pray as did Daniel,” says E. G. White, “three times a day,
along with God. . . . The Lord is near to all who call upon
him—near to answer and to bless.”4
And fifth, God’s honor
and powervindicated. Souza says,“But we see here is a mini-
example of what will happen on a universal scale: Gods people

40
delivered, evil punished, and the Lord will be vindicated before
the cosmos.”5
1. What do you think the kind of public offices, if any, that are
compatible with the Christian life?
2. How do you draw the line between loyalty to the state and
loyalty to God?
3. Read Daniel 6:10, 11. What are the four things that Daniel did
that aspiring politicians and public officers would do well to
emulate him?
1White, PK, 539.
2Sabbath School Lesson, Daniel, 82.
3Souza, 84.
4Ellen G. White, Letter 134, 1901, para. 6.
5Souza, 84.

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CHAPTER 8
THE RISE OF THE “LITTLE HORN” POWER
(DANIEL 7)
n the first year of the reign of King Belshazzar in
Babylon,1
the prophet Daniel had a dream and visions
passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. Later,
he wrote the content of his dream. He saw “the four winds
of heaven churning up the great sea” (Dan 7:2). And “four
great beasts,each different from the others, came out of the
sea” (Dan 7:3). In Bible prophecy, winds represent wars,strife,
or chaos (Jer 49:36, 37); sea represents mass of people (Rev
17:15); and beasts represent kingdoms (Dan 7:17, 24). It
appears that four great kingdoms arose into existence amidst
the chaotic situation of the people in the world.
LION: BABYLON
The first beast the prophet Daniel saw “was like a lion,
and it had the wings of an eagle” (Dan 7:4). Jeremiah describes
Babylon as a lion (Jer 4:7). Lion, the king of animals, fits to
symbolize Babylon. A winged lion has been found in
Babylonian objects of art. The lion and eagle have been usually
combined. More often depicted is a lion with eagle’s wings—at
times with claws or a beak. Usually merged was the eagle with
a lion’s head. The winged lion, one of the forms of the beasts,
was often pictured in combat with Marduk, the patron god of
the city of Babylon.2
Additionally, the lion (king of the beasts) and the eagle
(king of birds) fit to symbolize the Babylonian empire at the
zenith of its glory. A lion is known for its strength while the
eagle is famous for its power and the range of its flight. In fact,
King Nebuchadnezzar’s power was felt even until
Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, Asia Minor, and Egypt. The
spread of Babylon is compared to a lion that was provided with
eagle’s wings.
I

42
However,the lion’s wings “were torn off and it was lifted
from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man” (Dan
7:4a). Babylon was no longer able to fly like an eagle upon its
victim. It probably refers to the time when less powerful
leaders succeeded King Nebuchadnezzar in ruling the kingdom
of Babylon, leaders whom Babylon lost its power and glory.
Others also have suggested that it refers to King
Nebuchadnezzar’s seven years of insanity, when he was
deprived not only his power but also of his reason.
Moreover, “the heart of a man was given to it” (v. 4b).
Obviously, King Nebuchadnezzar was a heartless tyrant.
However,he was given the heart of a man when he started to
honor the God of the prophet Daniel. Nelson says, “King
Nebuchadnezzar became a subject of the King of kings. He
realized his position as a created being in the care of his
heavenly Father. Nebuchadnezzar was no longer a beast, but a
new man with a heart toward his creator. Soon after his death,
Babylon declined and was overthrown by Medo-Persia.”3
BEAR: MEDO-PERSIA
The second beast was “looked like a bear” (Dan 7:5a). It
“was raised up on one of its side, and it had three ribs in its
mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of
flesh’” (Dan 7:5b). It simply corresponds to the silver image of
the book of Daniel chapter 2—the Medo-Persian Empire.
Silver is inferior to gold, so, it is obvious that the bear is also
inferior to the lion. The bear is a kind of animal that is cruel
and rapacious—characteristics of this animal are attributed to
the Medes by Isaiah. Isaiah says,“See, I will stir up against
them the Medes,who do not care for silver and have no delight
in gold. Their bows will strike down the young men; they will
have no mercy on infants no will they look with compassion on
children” (Isa 13:17, 18). As a dual empire, Medo-Persia came
into power when it defeated Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt. Later,
Persians rose to power over the Medes. The Bible suitably
terms Persia as a bear raising himself on one side with three
ribs in its mouth.

43
LEOPARD:GREECE
The third “was another beast,one that looked like a
leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird.
This beast had four heads,and it was given authority to rule”
(Dan 7:6). The leopard is a violent and flesh-eating animal,
which is characterized for its swiftness and alertness in its
activities (see Hab 1:8; Hos 13:7). Its wings clearly describe
how Greece,under Alexander the Great, swiftly conquered the
nations of his day.
DRAGON-LIKE:ROME
However,“after that . . . was a fourth beast—terrifying
and frightening and very powerful” (Dan 7:7a). It resembles
the fourth kingdom of the metallic image (Dan 2). Rome
followed the Grecian Empire. However,the transition was
gradual that it is impossible to pinpoint any specific time as to
mark the change. Alexander’s empire was divided after 301 BC
among his four generals. Their replacement was a gradual
process in severalprincipal stages. In fact,writers differ in
choosing a significant turning point.
Terrible as it appears,the fourth beast “had a large iron
teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled
underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the
former beast,and it had ten horns” (Dan 7:7b). Obviously, it
speaks about the kingdom’s cruelty and strength. The dragon
would devour its prey with the grotesque fangs. In the same
way, Rome devoured nations and peoples in its invasions. In
fact,sometimes whole cities were destroyed like what
happened in Corinth (146 BC). Moreover, Macedonia and the
Seleucid dominions were divided into provinces.4
The ten horns are ten kings of the divided Roman
Empire—the pagan Rome—i.e., the modern Europe of today.
Beginning in 476 AD, barbaric tribes ruled over Rome. As
recorded, the Heruli was first to rule over Rome. Heruli are
German auxiliary troops in Rome who revolted, which later
overthrew the boy Romulus Augustus, the last emperor of
West. Its head was Odoacer (Odovacar),who made himself
king in Rome. An Arian, though tolerant to the Catholics, but
was hated by the Italians. Under the influence of Emperor Zeno
of the East, Theodoric (Ostrogoth’s leader) next invaded Italy.

44
He arrived there in 489 AD. However,in 493 AD Odoacer
surrendered and afterward was murdered.
LITTLE HORN: WHY THE PAPACY?
Previously, it is indicated that the ferocious animal with
ten horns ruling the world represents the pagan Rome. Now let
us consider the little and the power it represents. “This
prophecy,” according to E. G. White, “which is nearly identical
with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7,
unquestionably points to the papacy.”5
Why the papacy? This
can be answered by the following descriptions.
IT WILL RISE AFTER THETEN KINGS OF EUROPE
First, “after them [ten horns], another king will arise”
(Dan 7:24a). The little horn is a king that would come out after
the ten horns. It rose up from among the ten divisions of the
Roman Empire. In other words, it rose up into prominence
sometime after 476 AD,the date when the pagan Rome was
divided into ten barbaric tribes. Souza says, “It is clear that the
little horn emerges from the entity represented by the terrible
animal, which is pagan Rome. In a way, the horn extends or
continues some features of pagan Rome. It is just a larger stage
of the same power.”6
IT WILL BE A RELIGIO-POLITICAL POWER
Second, it will be “different from the earlier ones” (Dan
7:24b). The little horn is a political power because it is
described as a king. Politically, in Daniel 8:9 this horn grew
exceeding great toward Egypt (i.e. south), Seleucid Empire (i.e.
east),and Palestine (i.e. Glorious Land). In fact, in the first-
century BC the imperial Rome established is control over every
kingdom in the eastern half of the Mediterranean world. Syria
became a Roman province in 64 BC, Palestine in 63 BC, and
Egypt in 30 BC.7
However,the little horn is also a religious power. It is not
only depicted with military terminology but also in priestly and
religious terms—acting like a priest and a god (Dan 8:11, 12).
It shows strong concern in worship that none of the earlier
powers displays; restricts with the worship and priestly
function of the prince of the host (Dan 8:11; cf. Josh 5:13-15)

45
and takes over His prerogatives; take away “the daily” (Hebrew
tamid), the regular sanctuary service, from the divine prince—
putting itself in charge on it. Since the one who performs the
tamid is a priest—often the high priest, the little horn acts as
the high priest and commands its own host to set up over “the
daily” (Dan 8:11, 12).8
IT WILL SUBDUETHREE KINGS OF THE DIVIDED
ROME
Third, “he will subdue three kings” (Dan 7:24c). Papacy
destroyed Heruli in 493 AD,Vandals in 534 AD,and
Ostrogoths in 538 AD. It could not develop fully its power not
until the rule of the Goths was broken. Thus, in 538, the city of
Rome was freed from the control of the Arian kingdom—for
the first time since the Western imperial line ended. It was in
that year that the Ostrogothic kingdom received its
deathblow—making 538 AD more significant than 533 AD.9
IT WILL SPEAK POMPOUS WORDS
Fourth, “he will speak against the Most High” (Dan
7:25a). John Paul II (1920-2005) says, that the pope “is defined
by the faith as the Vicar of Jesus (and is accepted as such be
believers). The Pope is considered the man on earth who
represents the Son of God, who ‘takes the place’ of the Second
Person of the omnipotent God of the Trinity.”10
In claiming to
be the Vicar of Christ,according to Leo XIII, popes claim to
have held “upon the earth the place of God Almighty.”11
The
Fifth Lateran Council (1512) confirmed the claim of the pope,
by saying, “Thou art another God on earth.”12
Moreover, Catholic priests claim the prerogative to
forgive sins. According to its theology, Catholic Church
has received the keys of the Kingdom of heaven so that,in her,
sins may be forgiven through Christ’s blood and the Holy
Spirit’s action. In this Church, the souldead through sin comes
back to life in order to live with Christ, whose grace has saved
us. There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot
forgive.13
For human beings to claim to have bestowed the authority
to forgive sins and held the place of God on earth are,
undoubtedly, blasphemous acts. In fact,Jews wanted to stone

Exploring Daniel - Unraveling the Mysteries

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