Daniel 2 questions:
- Name the four kingdoms of the image that are symbolized by the gold, silver, brass, and iron.
Gold → Babylon
Silver → Medo-Persia
Brass → Greece
Iron → Pagan Rome
2. How many kingdoms total are there in the image? What is the difference between the feet and the rest of the image?
There are a total of four kingdoms and then the fourth kingdom that is divided. So in essence there are 5 different kingdoms. The difference between the feet and the rest of the image is: The rest of the image is made of solid and pure metals….The feet and the toes are divided and a mix of iron and clay.
3. What is the common thread that runs through the whole image?
“The common thread though the whole image is paganism, the essence of which is creature worship.” – Daniel 2 in 4 Parts Handout
4. What two things does the iron and clay each symbolize? [two things for iron; two things for clay]
Iron → 1) Kingdom or state 2) System of paganism
Clay → 1) Church 2) System of Christianity
5. Who does the feet of iron and clay represent? What parallels are there in Revelation?
The feet of iron and clay in Dan. 2 equates with the woman who rides the beast in Revelation 17. Since a woman in the Bible represents a church and a beast represents a kingdom, this woman/beast combination symbolizes this entity’s structural system, a religious/political system. This new entity is called the papacy.
The feet of iron and clay represent: Pagan Rome (Iron) + Clay
The ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
“The Roman Catholic Church (united) the forms of paganism and Christianity…” {GC 569.2}
This is paralleled in Revelation to the Scarlet colored, leopard-like, Beast with Seven heads and Ten horns. With the Scarlet colored beast with seven heads and ten horns in Rev. 17:3 and the Leopard-like Beast in Rev. 13:1-10.
6. Who does the toes of iron and clay represent? What parallels are there in Revelation?
The toes of iron and clay represent the Ten kings the lamb-like beast and the ten horns on the sixth head of the scarlet colored beast in (Rev. 17:13, Rev. 17:3.) They also equal the the lamb like beast. (Rev. 13:11-18) The divided kingdoms of Europe.
7.Why are the two entities in question 5 and question 6 both pictured as iron and clay?
Because they are both represent the divided fourth kingdom and the uniting of paganism and Christianity.
8. Name the two systems of the papacy.
The Ideological System → a combination of Christianity with paganism (mixing iron and clay)
The Structural System → a union of religion and politics, and union of church and state (mixing of iron and clay)
The iron and clay also represent the compromise of Christianity and the inclusion of paganism, which then creates its ideological way of thinking. The union of church and the state creates a religious-political system which makes up the structural system
9. Who are “these kings” talked about in Daniel 2:44? Where else in the Bible is there a parallel to “these kings” pictured in this verse?
“These kings” in verse 44 are referring to the toes of iron and clay in verse 42. In Revelation 17:12 it talks about “these kings” as well. They are clarified here as Protestantism and when they “give their power over to the beast” they are becoming apostate protestants which is connected to the lamb like beast who looked like a lamb but spoke as a dragon. They were “protestant” but in their hearts they were apostate and following Roman Catholicism. The toes symbolize Protestant America and these connections show how the US is going to soon combine church and state and become apostate and join hands with the papacy, thus combining church and state.
10. Who is the “they” of Dan. 2:43? Who is “the seed?” HOW does “they” mingle themselves with “the seed?”
The “they” is referring to the ten toes of iron and clay in Dan. 2:42. “They” are the Protestants that are not following Christ totally. They are mixing church and state and are not following God. “The seed” is the true Christians who live in Christ. (Gal. 3:29) The seed of Abraham.(Gal. 3:16) When “they” are mingled with the “seed” it is talking about how the true Christians are in the same churches as the apostate Christians. But they are only together. They are not mixing with each other just as iron and clay can’t be mixed well together. God is calling all His people to not be mingled with “they” but to come out of the false churches.
11. What two things does the stone represent?
The stone represents the law of God, but it also represents Jesus who is said to be the living stone. (1 Peter 2:3,4)
Daniel 7 questions:
1. Name the four kingdoms that the four beasts of Daniel 7 symbolize.
Lion→ Babylon
Bear→ Medo-Persia
Leopard→ Greece
Great Beast→ Pagan Rome
2. What is the difference between Daniel 7:8 and Daniel 8:9?
Dan. 7:8 is talking about the fourth beast of that vision, the great and terrible beast. It is identifying the place of the little horn’s rising, among the other horns. Because of this little horns rising, there were three horns out by the roots. The little horn also had eyes like a man and a mouth speaking great things.
In Daniel 8, it is talking about the he goat and the horns on his head. It says in verse 8 that the goat became very strong and when he became strong the great horn on his head was broken and in its place came up 4 notable ones. Then in verse 9 it says that out of one of the 4 horns, came a little horn who grew “exceedingly great” in towards the south and east and the pleasant land.
3. What are some characteristics that Daniel 7 talks about that you could point out that demonstrates that the little horn represents the papacy?
Verse 25: 1) He speaks great words against the Most High…2)He shall think to change times and laws…3)-He shall wear out the saints of the Most High for a time and times and the dividing of time
The papacy has done (and will do) all these things. They have set themselves “above” God. They have changed Sabbath to Sunday and revised the 10 commandments. And they have persecuted the saints of God, and will persecute them in the future as well. They are combing paganism with Christianity and that creates apostacy in the church. (great words against Most High) The apostate church unites with the state (thinks to change times and the law….Sunday law…) The undeniable result of this union of church and state is persecution and intolerance of anything but their own rules. (wear out the saints of the Most High)
4. Fill in the blank: “The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the ___________________________________________. This is especially true of the book of Daniel.” How is this demonstrated in Daniel 7?
—Opening of the judgment—“The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel.{GC 355.3} In Daniel 7:9-14, it is talking about God sitting down on His thrown and passing judgment on the great beast and the other beasts. Then in the vision, the Son of Man is given a kingdom. In Dan. 7: 22 it talks about the Ancient of days coming and giving judgment from the saints. Dan. 7:26 talks about taking away the dominion of Satan and sitting in judgment against him.
5. What is the connection between the beast and the horn in Daniel 7:11?
The beast of Daniel 7 is the
The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns shall cause “the earth and them which dwell therein” to worship the papacy –there symbolized by the beast “like unto a leopard.” The beast with two horns is also to say “to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast;” and, furthermore, it is to command all, “both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive the mark of the beast. Revelation 13:11-16. It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to the papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. “I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Verse 3. The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, “his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Paul states plainly that the “man of sin” will continue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.” Revelation 13:8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church. {GC 578.3}
6. What is the kingdom talked about in Daniel 7:13,14? What is the “status” of this kingdom in this verse?
This is the kingdom of Grace. The kingdom of grace is found in within us. (Luke 17:20-21) This kingdom is the righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Rom. 14:17) The symbol of the K. of G. is a seed. Christ is that seed. (Gal. 3:16) and we are the fruits of His death. (John 12:24) The Holy Spirit in us produces christ being revealed in our lives, through the fruits of the Spirit, and That is the kingdom of Grace.
“The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” had been their message. At the expiration of “the time”–the sixty-nine weeks of Daniel 9, which were to extend to the Messiah, “the Anointed One”–Christ had received the anointing of the Spirit after His baptism by John in Jordan. And the “kingdom of God” which they had declared to be at hand was established by the death of Christ. This kingdom was not, as they had been taught to believe, an earthly empire. Nor was it that future, immortal kingdom which shall be set up when “the kingdom and dominion, …(that) shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;” Daniel 7:27 The kingdom of grace is brought to view by Paul in the Epistle to the Hebrews. … “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace.” Hebrews 4:15, 16. The throne of grace represents the kingdom of grace; for the existence of a throne implies the existence of a kingdom….” {GC 346.4}
The “status” of this kingdom is not fully complete yet. The K. of G. was instituted at the fall of man. It was established on the cross and will be completely received by the close of probation.
7. How could you demonstrate from this chapter that the four beasts are four kingdoms and not four kings?
In verse17 it says, “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” And in verse 23, it says that “…The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon the earth…” A king is an individual and can die and go out of power, but a kingdom can have many different rulers and still be the same kingdom.
8. Which kingdom is given to the saints in verses 18, 22 and 27?
The kingdom of glory is given to the saints
9. How long does the little horn “bother” the saints?
The little horn “prevailed against” the saints “until the Ancient of days came and judgment was given to the saints of the most High;”
10. Who are the ten horns of Daniel 7:24?
The ten horns of Daniel 7:24 are the 10 kings and countries of Europe that make “divided fourth kingdom”.
11. What is the “time, times and dividing of time?” Identify some other passages of scripture that are referring to the same “time, times, and dividing of time?”
This is the allotted amount of time that the saints of God shall be given into the hands of the little horn to be persecuted and God will sustain them and give them refuge.
In Rev. 12:6,14 “ 6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. … 14And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”
And Rev. 13:5 “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.”
Daniel 8 questions:
- Identify (reference) the ram and the he goat of Daniel 8. How can you demonstrate that the ram is referring to the same power as the bear of Daniel 7?
The ram is Medo-Persia (Dan 7:5, 8:20) and the he goat is referenced in Dan. 8:5.
In Daniel 7:5 it says that the bear is raised up on one side. And the ram in Dan. 8:3, is described as having two horns of which one is higher than the other. So you can very safely say that they are both the same power.
2. How can you demonstrate that the he goat is the same as the leopard of Daniel 7?
The leopard has four wings and four heads. The he goat has four horns.
3. Who is the notable horn of the he goat? the four notable horns?
The he goat is Alexander the Great. Because the he goat is a representation of Greece, which was proven in Daniel 7 where it shows that the four wings and heads of the leopard like beast, correlate with the he goat that has four horns. Therefore, the he goat can equal Greece, and Alexander was the most prominent power of that time (the great horn). The four horns are the four different kingdoms or kings that Alexander’s kingdom was divided into after his death.
4. Who is the host and stars being referred to in Daniel 8:10? Who is the prince of the host in verse 11?
The host and stars are God’s people who are “stamped upon” or persecuted by the little horn. Because in Dan. 12:3, it says that the righteous are referred to as the “stars”.
The Prince of the Host is Jesus. In Rev. 22:16 it talks about Him being the “bright and morning star”, the Highest Star of all. And the leader of God’s people, the stars, would be the brightest one….Jesus.
5. What is the “daily” being talked about in verse 11? How does the little horn take away the “daily?”
The “daily” is the daily mediation that Christ does in the sanctuary. “The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, represents the merits and intercession of Christ, His perfect righteousness, which through faith is imputed to His people, and which can alone make the worship of sinful beings acceptable to God. Before the veil of the most holy place was an altar of perpetual intercession, before the holy, an altar of continual atonement. By blood and by incense God was to be approached–symbols pointing to the great Mediator, through whom sinners may approach Jehovah, and through whom alone mercy and salvation can be granted to the repentant, believing soul.”{PP 353.2}
The little horn takes away the daily by instituting the pope as mediator and intercessor for the people. “Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. Thus the minds of the people were turned away from God to fallible, erring, and cruel men, nay, more, to the prince of darkness himself, who exercised his power through them. Sin was disguised in a garb of sanctity. When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity. With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God.” {GC 55.1}
6. Explain verse 12.
“A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences, and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering Him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world–those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.” {GC 572.2}
The daily is not referring to the daily sacrifice. This word is supplied. “Then I saw in relation to the “daily” (Dan. 8:12) that the word “sacrifice” was supplied by man’s wisdom, and does not belong to the text, and that the Lord gave the correct view of it to those who gave the judgment hour cry. When union existed, before 1844, nearly all were united on the correct view of the “daily”; but in the confusion since 1844, other views have been embraced, and darkness and confusion have followed. Time has not been a test since 1844, and it will never again be a test.” {EW 74.2}
7. What two elements does the vision include, according to verse 13? What is the vision that is sealed up?
The vision has two elements, the daily sacrifice and the transgression of desolation. The vision that is sealed up is the one “of the evening and the morning”. It is the one of the 2300 days.
8. What is the “transgression of desolation” talked about in verse 13? What passage in the Bible could you use to support your answer?
9. What period of time does the vision apply to, according to Daniel 8?
“the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.” Dan. 8:19 NIV
10. How long was the vision going to be sealed?
“for many days.” Dan. 8:26
11. Where in Daniel 2 can you find a similar phrasing that is found in Daniel 8:25: he shall be “broken without hand?”
Daniel 2:34 “Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.”
Daniel 9 questions:
1. What does the word “determined” mean?
After bidding Daniel “understand the matter, and consider the vision,” the very first words of the angel are: “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy Holy City.” The word here translated “determined” literally signifies “cut off.” {GC 326.2}
2. How are seventy weeks of Daniel 9 connected to the 2300 days of Daniel 8?
“As the 2300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, it must be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; the seventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the two periods must begin together.” {GC 326.2}
3. What was the starting point for the seventy week period? Give a scripture verse for support for your answer.
In the seventh chapter of Ezra the decree is found. Verses 12-26. In its completest form it was issued by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, 457 B.C. But in Ezra 6:14 the house of the Lord at Jerusalem is said to have been built “according to the commandment ["decree," margin] of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.” These three kings, in originating, reaffirming, and completing the decree, brought it to the perfection required by the prophecy to mark the beginning of the 2300 years. Taking 457 B.C., the time when the decree was completed, as the date of the commandment, every specification of the prophecy concerning the seventy weeks was seen to have been fulfilled. {GC 326.3}
4. What does “Messiah” mean?
“The Anointed One”
5. Why does Daniel 9:25 say “seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks” instead of just saying threescore and nine weeks?
Because it is not a one big chunk of time. There are certain things that happen at the end of the 62 weeks and the 7 weeks and the 2 weeks. These are important
6. What does it mean when verse 27 says “in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease?
7. What event is connected to the end of the seventy weeks?
The stoning of Stephen.
8. Explain what it means in verse 27: “he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week?”
