Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Daniel

by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield

Book Introduction - Daniel

Read first chapter of Daniel
Daniel, like Ezekiel was a Jewish captive in Babylon. He was of royal or princely descent (Daniel 1:3). For his rank and comeliness he was trained for palace service. In the polluted atmosphere of an oriental court he lived a life of singular piety and usefulness. His long life extended from Nebuchadnezzar to Cyrus. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah, Ezekiel (Daniel 14:20), Joshua, the high priest of the restoration, Ezra, and Zerubbabel.
Daniel is the indispensable introduction to New Testament prophecy, the themes of which are, the apostasy of the Church, the manifestation of the man of sin, the great tribulation, the return of the Lord, the resurrections and the judgments. These, except the first, are Daniel's themes also.
But Daniel is distinctively the prophet of the "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24), (See Scofield "Luke 21:24"). His vision sweeps the whole course of Gentile world-rule to its end in catastrophe, and to the setting up of the Messianic kingdom.
Daniel is in four broad divisions:

• Introduction. The personal history of Daniel from the conquest of Jerusalem to the second year of Nebuchadnezzar, 1:1-21.
• The visions of Nebuchadnezzar and their results, 2:1-4:37.
• The personal history of Daniel under Belshazzar and Darius, 5:1-6:28.
• The visions of Daniel, 7:1-12:13.

The events recorded in Daniel cover a period of 73 years (Ussher).

CHAPTER 1

Verse 1

and the name
Heb. Jehovah-shammah. See Exodus 17:15; Judges 6:24.

Verse 6

Daniel
deported 8 years before Ezekiel. 2 Kings 24:1,2; 2 Chronicles 36:5-7; Jeremiah 25:1; Jeremiah 52:12-30.

Verse 7

Belteshazzar
i.e. the king's leader, or attendant. Daniel 2:26; 4:8,9,18,19; 5:12. Identical in meaning with Belshazzar.

Verse 21

continued
i.e. to see the return of the remnant of Judah at the end of the 70 years, Jeremiah 25:11,12; 29:10. Daniel actually lived beyond the first year of Cyrus. Daniel 10:1.

CHAPTER 2

Verse 1

continued
i.e. to see the return of the remnant of Judah at the end of the 70 years, Jeremiah 25:11,12; 29:10. Daniel actually lived beyond the first year of Cyrus. Daniel 10:1.

Verse 2

Chaldeans
i.e. the men having the ancient wisdom; the learned; Chaldeans par excellence (Daniel 2:13). "wise"

Verse 4

Syriack
From Dan. 2:4 to 7:28 the Book of Daniel is written in Aramaic the ancient language of Syria, and substantially identical with Chaldaic, the language of ancient Babylonia. Upon this fact, together with the occurrence of fifteen Persian, and three Greek words has been based an argument against the historicity of Daniel, and in favour of a date after the conquest of Palestine by Alexander (B.C. 332). It has, however, seemed, with some modern exceptions, to the Hebrew and Christian scholarship of the ages an unanswerable proof rather of the Danielic authorship of the book that, living from boyhood in a land the language of which was Chaldaic, a great part of his writing should be in that tongue. It has often been pointed out that the Chaldaic of Daniel is of high antiquity, as is shown by comparison with that of the Targums. The few words of Persian and Greek in like manner confirm the writer's residence at a court constantly visited by emissaries from those peoples. It is noteworthy that the Aramaic section is precisely that part of Daniel which most concerned the peoples amongst whom he lived, and to whom a prophecy written in Hebrew would have been unintelligible. The language returns to Hebrew in the predictive portions which have to do with the future of Israel. "The Hebrew of Daniel is closely related to that of Ezekiel."--Delitzsch.

Verse 14

captain
Or, executioner, Daniel 2:24.

Verse 22

revealeth
See margin, Genesis 41:45. (See Scofield "Genesis 41:45") , ; Daniel 4:9; Job 15:8; Psalms 25:14; Proverbs 3:32; Matthew 6:6.

Verse 29

what should come
Times (of the Gentiles), Daniel 2:29-45; Revelation 16:19; Luke 21:24.

Verse 31

great image
The monarchy-vision. Nebuchadnezzar's dream, as interpreted by Daniel, gives the course and end of "the times of the Gentiles" Luke 21:24. (See Scofield "Revelation 16:19") that is, of Gentile world-empire. The four metals composing the image are explained as symbolizing Daniel 2:38-40 four empires, not necessarily possessing the inhabited earth, but able to do so (Daniel 2:38), and fulfilled in Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece (under Alexander), and Rome. The latter power is seen divided, first into two (the legs), fulfilled in the Eastern and Western Roman empires, and then into ten (the toes) See Scofield "Daniel 7:26. As a whole, the image gives the imposing outward greatness and splendour of the Gentile world-power.
The smiting Stone Daniel 2:34,35 destroys the Gentile world-system (in its final form) by a sudden and irremediable blow, not by the gradual processes of conversion and assimilation; and then, and not before, does the Stone become a mountain which fills "the whole earth." (Cf. Daniel 7:26,27). Such a destruction of the Gentile monarchy-system did not occur at the first advent of Christ. On the contrary, He was put to death by the sentence of an officer of the fourth empire, which was then at the zenith of its power. Since the crucifixion the Roman empire has followed the course marked out in the vision, but Gentile world dominion still continues, and the crushing blow is still suspended. The detail of the end-time is given in Daniel 7:1-28, and Re 13.-19. It is important to see

• (1) that Gentile world-power is to end in a sudden catastrophic judgment (see "Armageddon," Revelation 16:14; 19:21).
• (2) that it is immediately followed by the kingdom of heaven, and that the God of the heavens does not set up His kingdom till after the destruction of the Gentile world- system. It is noteworthy that Gentile world-dominion begins and ends with a great image. Daniel 2:31; Revelation 13:14,15.

Verse 35

mountain
A mountain is one of the bibical symbols of a kingdom. (See Scofield "Isaiah 2:2").

Verse 38

wheresoever the children
This is universal dominion. It was never fully realized, but power was given for it.

Verse 41

but there shall be
From the "head of gold" (Daniel 2:38) to the "iron" of the "fourth kingdom" (Rome) there is deterioration in fineness, but increase of strength (Daniel 2:40). Then comes the deterioration of the "fourth kingdom" in that very quality, strength.

• (1) Deterioration by division: The kingdom is divided into two, the legs (Eastern and Western empires), and these are again divided into kingdoms, the number of which when the Stone smites the image will be ten toes, Daniel 2:42; cf. Daniel 7:23,24.
• (2) Deterioration by admixture; the iron of the Roman imperium mixed with the clay of the popular will, fickle and easily moulded. This is precisely what has come to pass in the constitutional monarchies which, the Republic of France and the despotism of Turkey, cover the sphere of ancient Roman rule.

Verse 44

and in the days
The passage fixes authoritatively the time relative to other predicted events, when the kingdom of the heavens will be set up. It will be "in the days of those kings," i.e. the days of the ten kings (cf. Daniel 7:24-27 symbolized by the toes of the image. That condition did not exist at the advent of Messiah, nor was it even possible until the dissolution of the Roman empire, and the rise of the present national world system. See "Kingdom (O.T.)" ; Genesis 1:26; Zechariah 12:8 "Kingdom (N.T.)" ; Luke 1:31-33; 1 Corinthians 15:28, (See Scofield "Matthew 3:2") note (defining "kingdom of heaven"). Verse 45 repeats the method by which the kingdom will be set up. (Cf) See Scofield "Daniel 2:31" ; Psalms 2:5; 2:6; Zechariah 14:1-8; 14:9.

Verse 49

Daniel
Cf. Genesis 19:1. Lot the compromiser with Daniel the inflexible.

CHAPTER 3

Verse 1

an image of gold
The attempt of this great king of Babylon to unify the religions of his empire by self- deification will be repeated by the beast, the last head of the Gentile world-dominion Revelation 13:11-15 See note on "Beast, the" (See Scofield "Daniel 7:8") See Scofield "Revelation 19:20". It has repeatedly characterized Gentile authority in the earth, e.g. ; Daniel 6:7; Acts 12:22 and the later Roman emperors.

Verse 8

Chaldeans
Cf. the conduct of Daniel, Daniel 2:24.

Verse 17

and he will deliver us
The three Jews, faithful to God while the nation of Israel far from their land bear no testimony, are a fit type of the Jewish remnant in the last days Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:5 who will be faithful in the furnace of the great tribulation ; Psalms 2:5; Revelation 7:14.

Verse 28

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4")

CHAPTER 4

Verse 1

dwell
Nebuchadnezzar, first of the Gentile world-kings in whom the times of the Gentiles Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14 began, perfectly comprehended the universality of the sway committed to him Daniel 2:37,38 as also did Cyrus Ezra 1:2. That they did not actually subject the known earth to their sway is true, but they might have done so. The earth lay in their power.

Verse 3

everlasting kingdom
See, 2 Samuel 7:16; Psalms 89:35-37; Daniel 7:13,14,27; Luke 1:31-33.

Verse 10

tree
Symbol of a great king. Daniel 4:22; Ezekiel 31:1-14.

Verse 13

watcher
Daniel 4:17,23, plural in 17.

Verse 16

seven
The number of completeness.

Verse 25

till thou know
The discipline was effective. Cf. Daniel 4:30,37.

Verse 34

I blessed the most High
A progress may be traced in Nebuchadnezzar's apprehension of the true God.

• (1) "God is a God of gods one amongst the national or tribal gods, but greater than they], and a Lord Adonai=Master of kings, and a revealer of secrets" Daniel 2:47.
• (2) He is still a Hebrew deity, but Master of angels, and a God who responds to faith Daniel 3:28.
• (3) Here Daniel 4:34,35 the king rises into a true apprehension of God. Cf. Darius, Daniel 6:25-27.

CHAPTER 5

Verse 2

father
Nebuchadnezzar was "father" of Belshazzar in the biblical sense that David is called "father" of Jesus, Luke 1:32. Belshazzar was probably a grandson.

Verse 11

thy father
Or, grandfather. See note 2, (See Scofield "Daniel 5:2").

Verse 31

Darius the Median
The biblical order of the monarchs of Daniel's time, and of the period of the captivity and restoration of Judah, is as follows:

• (1) Nebuchadnezzar (B.C. 604-561) with whom the captivity of Judah and the "times of the Gentiles" (See Scofield "Luke 21:24") , See Scofield "Revelation 16:19", began, and who established the first of the four world monarchies. ; Daniel 2:37,38; 7:4.
• (2) Belshazzar (prob B.C. 556), the Bel-shar-uzzar of the inscriptions, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, and son of the victorious general Nabonidus. Belshazzar seems to have reigned as viceroy.
• (3) Darius the Mede Daniel 5:31; 6:1-27; 9:1. Concerning this Darius secular history awaits further discoveries, as formerly in the case of Belshazzar. He has been conjectured to be identical with Gobryas, a Persian general. This Darius was "the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans" Daniel 9:1 "Ahasuerus," more a title than a name, the equivalent of the modern "Majesty," is used in Scripture of at least four personages, and is Persian rather than Median. That Darius the Mede was the "son" (or grandson) of an Ahasuerus proves no more than that he was, probably, through the seed of his mother, of the seed royal not only of Media, but also of Persia. There is but one Darius in Daniel. (See Daniel 9:1.)
• (4) Cyrus, with whose rise to power came fully into existence the Medo-Persian, second of the world-empires Daniel 2:39; 7:5

In Daniel's vision of this empire in "the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar" Daniel 8:1-4 the Median power of Darius is seen as the lesser of the two horns of the ram; the Persian power of Cyrus, under whom the Medo-Persian power was consolidated, as the "higher" horn which "came up last." Under Cyrus, who was prophetically named more than a century before his birth. Isaiah 44:28-45:4, the return to Palestine of the Jewish remnant began. Ezra 1:1-4. See Daniel 11:2, marg. ref. (See Scofield "Daniel 11:2").

CHAPTER 6

Verse 1

Darius the Median
The biblical order of the monarchs of Daniel's time, and of the period of the captivity and restoration of Judah, is as follows:

• (1) Nebuchadnezzar (B.C. 604-561) with whom the captivity of Judah and the "times of the Gentiles" (See Scofield "Luke 21:24") , See Scofield "Revelation 16:19", began, and who established the first of the four world monarchies. ; Daniel 2:37,38; 7:4.
• (2) Belshazzar (prob B.C. 556), the Bel-shar-uzzar of the inscriptions, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, and son of the victorious general Nabonidus. Belshazzar seems to have reigned as viceroy.
• (3) Darius the Mede Daniel 5:31; 6:1-27; 9:1. Concerning this Darius secular history awaits further discoveries, as formerly in the case of Belshazzar. He has been conjectured to be identical with Gobryas, a Persian general. This Darius was "the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans" Daniel 9:1 "Ahasuerus," more a title than a name, the equivalent of the modern "Majesty," is used in Scripture of at least four personages, and is Persian rather than Median. That Darius the Mede was the "son" (or grandson) of an Ahasuerus proves no more than that he was, probably, through the seed of his mother, of the seed royal not only of Media, but also of Persia. There is but one Darius in Daniel. (See Daniel 9:1.)
• (4) Cyrus, with whose rise to power came fully into existence the Medo-Persian, second of the world-empires Daniel 2:39; 7:5

In Daniel's vision of this empire in "the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar" Daniel 8:1-4 the Median power of Darius is seen as the lesser of the two horns of the ram; the Persian power of Cyrus, under whom the Medo-Persian power was consolidated, as the "higher" horn which "came up last." Under Cyrus, who was prophetically named more than a century before his birth. Isaiah 44:28-45:4, the return to Palestine of the Jewish remnant began. Ezra 1:1-4. See Daniel 11:2, marg. ref. (See Scofield "Daniel 11:2").

Verse 22

angel
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 25

unto all people
(See Scofield "Daniel 4:1").

CHAPTER 7

Verse 2

great sea
The "sea" in Scripture imagery stands for the populace, the mere unorganized mass of mankind Matthew 13:47; Revelation 13:1.

Verse 5

three ribs A reference to the three-fold dominion of the second empire, Media, Persia, Babylonia.
devour i.e. Lydia, Babylonia, Egypt, etc.

Verse 6

leopard
Swiftness of Alexander's conquests.

Verse 7

horns
A horn symbolizes a king. Cf. Revelation 17:12.

Verse 8

little horn
The vision is of the end of Gentile world-dominion. The former Roman empire (the iron kingdom of Daniel 2:33-35,40-44; 7:7 will have ten horns (i.e. kings, Revelation 17:12 corresponding to the ten toes of the image. As Daniel considers this vision of the ten kings, there rises up amongst them a "little horn" (king), who subdues three of the ten kings so completely that the separate identity of their kingdoms is destroyed. Seven kings of the ten are left, and the "little horn." He is the "king of fierce countenance" typified by that other "king of fierce countenance," Antiochus Epiphanes, Daniel 8:23-25 the "prince that shall come" of Daniel 9:26,27 the "king" of Daniel 11:36-45 the "abomination" of ; Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15 the "man of sin" of 2 Thessalonians 2:4-8 and the "Beast" of Revelation 13:4-10. See "Beast" ; Daniel 7:8; Revelation 19:20.

Verse 13

and they
This scene is identical with that of Revelation 5:6-10. There the ascription of praise of the "kings and priests" (cf. Daniel 7:18,18, ref. a) ends with the words, "and we shall reign on the earth." Rev. 6. opens the "vexing" of Psalms 2:5 introductory to setting the king on Zion ; Psalms 2:6; Revelation 20:4. The vision Daniel 7:9-14 reverses the order of events as they will be fulfilled. Verse 13 describes the scene in heaven (cf) Revelation 5:6-10 which, in fulfilment, precedes the events which Daniel sees in vision in Daniel 7:9-12. The historic order will be:

• (1) The investiture of the Son of Man with the kingdom Daniel 7:13,14; Revelation 5:6-10
• (2) the "vexing" of Psalms 2:5, fully described in Matthew 24:21,22 Re 6.-18.
• (3) The return of the Son of Man in glory to deliver the "smiting" blow of Daniel 2:45; 7:9-11 Revelation 19:11-21.
• (4) The judgement of the nations and the setting up of the kingdom Daniel 7:10,26,27; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:1-6.

Verse 14

him
Daniel 7:13,14 is identical with Revelation 5:1-7 and antedates the fulfilment of Daniel 2:34,35. ; Daniel 7:13,14; Revelation 5:1-7 describe the investiture of the Son of Man and Son of David with the kingdom authority, while Daniel 2:34,35 describes the crushing blow (Armageddon, Revelation 16:14 which destroys Gentile world-power, thus clearing the way for the actual setting up of the kingdom of heaven. ; Daniel 2:34,35; Revelation 19:19-21 are the same event.

Verse 17

beasts
The monarch vision of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2) covers the same historic order as the beast vision of Daniel, but with this difference: Nebuchadnezzar saw the imposing outward power and splendour of the "times of the Gentiles" Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:19 while Daniel saw the true character of Gentile world-government as rapacious and warlike, established and maintained by force. It is remarkable that the heraldic insignia of the Gentile nations are all beasts or birds of prey.

Verse 18

saints vs. Daniel 7:18,22,25,27. That church saints will also share in the rule seems clear from ; Acts 16:17; Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:10-12; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6.

Verse 19

know the truth of the fourth beast See note 4, (See Scofield "Daniel 7:17").

Verse 26

and they shall
The end of Gentile world-power.

• (1) In the beast vision of Daniel 7. the fourth beast is declared to be "the fourth kingdom," i.e. the Roman empire, the "iron" kingdom of Dan. 2. The "ten horns" upon the fourth beast (Roman empire), Daniel 7:7 are declared to be "ten kings that shall arise" (Daniel 7:24) answering to the ten toes of the image vision of Dan. 2. The ten kingdoms, covering the regions formerly ruled by Rome, will constitute, therefore, the form in which the fourth or Roman empire will exist when the whole fabric of Gentile world-domination is smitten by the "stone cut out without hands" == Christ ; Daniel 2:44,45; 7:9.
• (2) But Daniel sees a "little horn" rise up and subdue three of the ten kings Daniel 7:24-26. His distinguishing mark is hatred of God and of the Saints. He is not to be confounded with the "little horn" of Dan. 8.--a prophecy fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes. (See Scofield "Daniel 8:9"). In Rev. 13, additional particulars of the "little horn" of Dan. 7. are given. See Scofield "Revelation 13:1".

Verse 27

everlasting kingdom See, 2 Samuel 7:16; Psalms 89:35-37; Daniel 4:3; 7:13,14; Luke 1:31-33.

CHAPTER 8

Verse 1

vision
The eighth chapter gives details concerning the second and third world-kingdoms: the silver and brass kingdoms of Dan. 2.; the bear and leopard kingdoms of Dan. 7., viz., the Medo-Persian and Macedonian kingdoms of history. At the time of this vision (Daniel 8:1) the first monarchy was nearing its end. Belshazzar was the last king of that monarchy.
third year About B.C. 530.

Verse 3

ram
(See Scofield "Daniel 8:20").

Verse 9

little horn
The "little horn" here is a prophecy fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes, B.C. 175, who profaned the temple and terribly persecuted the Jews. He is not to be confounded with the "little horn" of Dan. 7. who is yet to come, and who will dominate the earth during the great tribulation. (See Scofield "Daniel 7:8") concerning "The Beast". See Scofield "Revelation 19:20" and "The great tribulation," Psalms 2:5. See Scofield "Revelation 7:14". But Antiochus is a remarkable type of the Beast, the terrible "little horn" of the last days. Verses 24,25 go beyond Antiochus and evidently refer to the "little horn" of Dan. 7. Both Antiochus and the Beast, but the Beast pre-eminently, are in view in verses 24,25. That the "little horn" of Dan. 7. cannot be the little horn of Daniel 8:9-13,23 is evident. The former comes up among the ten horns into which the fourth empire (Roman) is to be divided; the little horn of Dan. 8. comes out of one of the four kingdoms into which the third (Grecian) empire was divided (Daniel 8:23), and in "the latter time" of the four kingdoms Daniel 8:22,23). This was historically true of Antiochus Epiphanes. They are alike in hatred of the Jews and of God, and in profaning the temple. Cf. Daniel 7:25 (the Beast) with Daniel 8:10-12 (Antiochus):
one of them Anticohus Epiphanes came out of Syria, one of the "four notable" kingdoms into which Alexander's empire was divided.

Verse 10

And it waxed great
This passage (Daniel 8:10-14) is confessedly the most difficult in prophecy, a difficulty increased by the present state of the text. Historically this was fulfilled in and by Antiochus Epiphanes, but in a more intense and final sense Antiochus but adumbrates the awful blasphemy of the "little horn" of ; Daniel 7:8,24,25; 9:27; 11:36-45; 12:11. In Daniel Daniel 8:10-14 the actions of both "little horns" blend.

Verse 12

daily sacrifice
Cf. Daniel 9:27 where the Beast comes into view:

Verse 13

desolation
Seven times in Daniel the "desolation" is spoken of:

• (1) Of the sanctuary, Daniel 8:13 fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes, B.C. 175-170.
• (2) Of the sanctuary, Daniel 9:17 the condition in Daniel's time, when the Jews were in exile and the sanctuary desolate.
• (3) Generally, of the land, Daniel 9:18 also referring to Daniel's time.
• (4) Of the sanctuary, Daniel 9:26 fulfilled A.D. 70, in the destruction of city and temple after the cutting off of Messiah. Luke 21:20.
• (5,6,7) Of the sanctuary, by the Beast, Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 Cf ; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,8-12; Revelation 13:14,15.

one saint Or, holy one, idem. Daniel 4:13,17.

Verse 15

a man
The theophanies. 10:6,10,18; Ezekiel 40:3; Genesis 12:7; Revelation 1:9.

Verse 19

end
Two "ends" are in view here:

• (1) historically, the end of the third, or Grecian empire of Alexander out of one of the divisions of which the little horn of verse 9 (Antiochus) arose;
• (2) prophetically, the end of the times of the Gentiles Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14 when the "little horn" of Daniel 7:8,24-26 the Beast, will arise--Daniel's final time of the end. (See Scofield "Daniel 12:4").

Verse 20

ram
vs. Daniel 8:3,4.
The "higher" horn which "came up last" is Cyrus, the other "Darius the Mede."

Verse 21

first king
i.e. Alexander the Great.

Verse 22

four kingdoms
The four empires into which Alexander's empire was divided about B.C. 300; Greece, Asia Minor, including Syria, Egypt, the East.

Verse 23

king of fierce countenance
i.e. Antiochus Epiphanes who arose out of Syria, one of the "four kingdoms," B.C. 170.

CHAPTER 9

Verse 2

seventy years
Cf. Jeremiah 25:11,12. (See Scofield "Jeremiah 25:11").

Verse 24

Seventy weeks
These are "weeks" or more accurately, sevens of years; seventy weeks of seven years each. Within these "weeks" the national chastisement must be ended and the nation re- established in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24). The seventy weeks are divided into seven == 49 years; sixty-two = 434 years; one = 7 years (vs. 25-27). In the seven weeks == 49 years, Jerusalem was to be rebuilt in "troublous times." This was fulfilled, as Ezra and Nehemiah record. Sixty-two weeks == 434 years, thereafter Messiah was to come (Daniel 9:25). This was fulfilled in the birth and manifestation of Christ. Daniel 9:26 26 is obviously an indeterminate period. The date of the crucifixion is not fixed. It is only said to be "after" the threescore and two weeks. It is the first event in Daniel 9:26. The second event is the destruction of the city, fulfilled A.D. 70. Then, "unto the end," a period not fixed, but which has already lasted nearly 2000 years. To Daniel was revealed only that wars and desolations should continue (cf. Matthew 24:6-14.) The N.T. reveals, that which was hidden from the O.T. prophets ; Matthew 13:11-17; Ephesians 3:1-10 that during this period should be accomplished the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-50 and the out-calling of the Church ; Matthew 16:18; Romans 11:25. When the Church- age will end, and the seventieth week begin, is nowhere revealed. Its duration can be but seven years. To make it more violates the principle of interpretation already confirmed by fulfilment. Daniel 9:27 deals with the last week. The "he" of Daniel 9:27 is the "prince that shall come" of Daniel 9:26, whose people (Rome) destroyed the temple, A.D. 70. He is the same with the "little horn" of chapter 7. He will covenant with the Jews to restore their temple sacrifices for one week (seven years), but in the middle of that time he will break the covenant and fulfil ; Daniel 12:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4. Between the sixty-ninth week, after which Messiah was cut off, and the seventieth week, within which the "little horn" of Dan. 7. will run his awful course, intervenes this entire Church-age. Daniel 9:27 deals with the last three and a half years of the seven, which are identical with the "great tribulation." Matthew 24:15-28 "time of trouble" Daniel 12:1 hour of temptation" Revelation 3:10. (see "Tribulation," ; Psalms 2:5; Revelation 7:14). (See Scofield "Psalms 2:5").
make reconciliation
There is no word in the O.T. properly rendered reconcile. In the A.V. the English word is found 1 Samuel 29:4; 2 Chronicles 29:24; Leviticus 6:30; 8:15; 16:20; Ezekiel 45:15,17,20; Daniel 9:24 but always improperly; atonement is invariably the meaning. Reconciliation is a N.T. doctrine Romans 5:10 (See Scofield "Colossians 1:21")
thy people Cf. Hosea 1:9 The Jews, rejected, are "thy people," i.e. Daniel's, not Jehovah's though yet to be restored.
reconciliation Heb. kaphar, atonement. See this verse note 1, and see note, Exodus 29:33 (See Scofield "Exodus 29:33")

Verse 25

from the going forth of the commandment
Three decrees concerning Jerusalem are recorded, that of Cyrus, B.C. 536 (Ussher), for the restoration of the "house of the Lord God of Israel" 2 Chronicles 36:22,23; Ezra 1:1-3 that of Darius Ezekiel 6:3-8 B.C. 521-486), and that of Artaxerxes in his seventh year. Ezekiel 7:7 say, B.C. 458). Artaxerxes in his twentieth year, B.C. 444 (Hales, Jahn), 446 (A.V.), 454 (Ussher, Hengstenberg), gave permission for the rebuilding of the "city," i.e., "Jerusalem" Nehemiah 2:1-8. The latter decree is, obviously, that from which the "seven weeks" (49 years) run, unless by "the commandment to restore," etc. is meant the divine decree Daniel 9:23. In the present state of biblical chronology the date of the decree of Artaxerxes cannot be unanswerably fixed farther than to say that it was issued between 454 and 444 B.C. In either case we are brought to the time of Christ. Prophetic time is invariably so near as to give full warning, so indeterminate as to give no satisfaction to mere curiosity. (cf) ; Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7. The 434 years reckon, of course, from the end of the seven weeks so that the whole time from "the going forth of the commandment to restore," etc., "unto the Messiah" is sixty-nine weeks of years, or 483 years.

Verse 27

abominations
(Cf) Matthew 24:15. The expression occurs three times in Daniel. In ; Daniel 9:27; 12:11 the reference is to the "Beast," "man of sin"; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4 and is identical with Matthew 24:15. In Daniel 11:31 the reference is to the act of Antiochus Epiphanes, the prototype of the man of sin, who sacrificed a sow upon the altar, and entered the holy of holies.

CHAPTER 10

Verse 1

abominations
(Cf) Matthew 24:15. The expression occurs three times in Daniel. In ; Daniel 9:27; 12:11 the reference is to the "Beast," "man of sin"; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4 and is identical with Matthew 24:15. In Daniel 11:31 the reference is to the act of Antiochus Epiphanes, the prototype of the man of sin, who sacrificed a sow upon the altar, and entered the holy of holies.

Verse 4

first month i.e. April.

Verse 6

His body The theophanies. Daniel 10:10,18; Ezekiel 40:3; Genesis 12:7; Revelation 1:9. (See Scofield "Daniel 10:10").
beryl Chrysolite. Cf. Ezekiel 1:16.

Verse 10

And, behold vs. Daniel 10:10-15, introduce an angel. The theophany begins again at Daniel 10:16.

Verse 13

prince of Daniel 10:20.
The intimation is clear that as the holy angels are sent forth in behalf of the heirs of salvation, so demons are concerned in behalf of the world-system of Satan. John 7:7; Revelation 13:8.

Verse 18

a man The theophanies. Daniel 8:15; Ezekiel 40:3; Genesis 12:7; Revelation 1:9. (See Scofield "Daniel 10:6"). See Scofield "Daniel 10:10". \=CHAPTER 11=

Verse 2

The spirit of prophecy here returns to that which more immediately concerned Daniel and his royal masters--the near future of the empire in which he was so great a personage. Four kings were yet to follow in Media-Persia. Then will come Alexander the "mighty king" of Grecia (v.3). The division of Alexander's empire into four parts (v.4) as already predicted Daniel 8:22 is foretold. The troublous course of affairs in two parts of the disintegrated Alexandrian empire, Syria and Egypt, is then traced down to verse 20. Here Antiochus Epiphanes, the "little horn" of Chapter 8., occupies the vision down to verse 36. His pollution of the sanctuary is again mentioned. (Cf) (See Scofield "Daniel 8:9"). From verse 36 the interpretation is of the final "little horn" Daniel 7:8,24-26, See Scofield "Daniel 11:35".
three kings Ahasuerus, Ezra 4:6, Artaxerxes, Ezra 4:7, and Darius called "Hystaspes" Ezra 4:24.
fourth Xerxes, who invaded Greece BC 483-480.

Verse 3

king Alexander the Great, B.C. 332. See Daniel 8:5-8,21,22.

Verse 5

south i.e. "south" of Palestine. Egypt is meant.
his princes i.e. One of Alexander's princes; historically Ptolemy Lagidae.
he shall Not the "king of the south" (Ptolemy Lagidae, to whom Egypt was given), but the "king of the north" Daniel 11:6, Seleucus, to whom Syria was given:

Verse 6

they shall
i.e. the descendants and successors of Ptolemy Lagidae and Seleucus, not those very personages. The prediction was fulfilled in the marriage of Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy Philadelphus, to Antiochus Theos, third king of Syria, B.C. 285-247.

Verse 7

branch of her roots
Ptolemy Euergetes, brother of Berenice, who invaded Syria as described in Daniel 11:7-9.

Verse 10

but his sons
Matthew 11:10-19, prophetic foreview of the wars of Egypt and Syria, Palestine, Daniel 11:17, the battleground, B.C. 284-175.

Verse 15

king of the north
Antiochus the Great, B.C. 198.

Verse 17

daughter of women
Probably a reference to the marriage of Cleopatra to an Egyptian king, Ptolemy Philometor.

Verse 18

isles i.e. of Greece.
prince for his own
i.e. Historically on of the Scipios: the power of Rome felt in the East for the first time.

Verse 20

a raiser of taxes
A reference to the tribute exacted of the son of Antiochus the Great by the Romans.

Verse 25

south
Egypt.

Verse 29

come toward the south
Antiochus Epiphanes' second expedition against Egypt. Stopped by the mandate of Rome, Daniel 11:30, he turns against the Jews:

Verse 31

abomination
This is historic -- the act of Antiochus Epiphanes. Matthew 24:15 refers to Daniel 12:11, (See Scofield "Daniel 9:27").

Verse 32

strong
e.g. the Maccabees. B.C. 168 and following.

Verse 35

the time of the end
Here the prophetic foreview, having traced the history of the two parts of Alexander's empire which had to do with Palestine and the Jews, viz. Syria and Egypt, to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, and having described his career, overleaps the centuries to "the time of the end," when he of whom Antiochus Epiphanes was a type, the "little horn" of Daniel 7:8 the "Beast out of the sea" of Revelation 13:4-10 shall appear (cf) (See Scofield "Daniel 7:8"). Prophecy does not concern itself with history as such, but only with history as it affects Israel and the Holy Land. Antiochus Epiphanes was insignificant as compared with historical personages whom the Bible does not mention, but he scourged the covenant people and defiled God's altar, thus coming into prophetic light. From verse 36 the "little horn" of Daniel 7:8,24-26 fills the scene. His prosperity lasts until "the indignation" (the "time of trouble" of ; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21 is accomplished (Daniel 11:36). This is parallel with ; Revelation 17:10-14; 19:19-21. Daniel 11:37-45 supply details not mentioned in the N.T. The expression "God of his fathers" (Daniel 11:37) has been held to indicate that the "king" is an apostate Jew, but this does not accord with Daniel 9:26 which was fulfilled by the Gentile armies of Rome. The "little horn" is an apostate, but from Christianity, not Judaism (cf) 1 John 2:18,19. Daniel 11:38-45 describe his career. Substituting "the god of forces" (i.e. forces of nature) for the true God (Daniel 11:38,39), he soon presents himself as that god (cf) 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4. While his career lasts he is an irresistible conqueror Daniel 11:40-44). He established his palace in Jerusalem, probably at the time of his supreme act of blasphemous impiety ; Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4. From this time begins the great tribulation ; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21 which runs its course during the last half of Daniel's seventieth week, viz. three and one half years ; Daniel 7:25; 12:7,11; Revelation 13:5. Scofield "Revelation 19:20".

Verse 36

he shall exalt
The Beast. Daniel 11:36-45; Daniel 12:11; 7:8; Revelation 19:20.

Verse 45

palace
(See Scofield "Daniel 11:2").

CHAPTER 12

Verse 1

thy people
That is, Daniel's people, the Jews. Cf. Daniel 9:15,16,20,24; 10:14.

Verse 4

end
The "time of the end" in Daniel. The expression, or its equivalent, "in the end," occurs, Daniel 8:17-19; 9:26; 11:35,40,45; 12:4,6,9.
Summary:

• (1) The time of the end in Daniel begins with the violation by "the prince that shall come" (i.e. "little horn," "man of sin," "Beast") of his covenant with the Jews for the restoration of the temple and sacrifice Daniel 9:27 and his presentation of himself as God ; Daniel 9:27; 11:36-38; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:4-6 and ends with his destruction by the appearing of the Lord in glory. ; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 19:19,20.
• (2) The duration of the "time of the end" is three and one half years, coinciding with the last half of the seventieth week of Daniel. Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 13:5.
• (3) This "time of the end" is the "time of Jacob's trouble." Jeremiah 30:7 "a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation" Daniel 12:1 "great tribulation such as was not from the beginning of the world... nor ever shall be" Matthew 24:21. The N.T., especially the Book of the Revelation, adds many details.

Verse 10

many shall be
A prophecy describing the moral state of the world from Daniel's day to the time of the end. Cf. Matthew 13:24-30,36-43,47-49.

Verse 11

abomination
(See Scofield "Daniel 9:27").

Verse 12

thousand three hundred and five and thirty days
Three periods of "days" date from the "abomination" (i.e. the blasphemous assumption of deity by the Beast, Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

• (1) Twelve hundred and sixty days to the destruction of the Beast Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 13:5; 19:19,20. This is also the duration of the great tribulation (See Scofield "Daniel 12:4").
• (2) Dating from the same event is a period of 1290 days, and addition of thirty days Daniel 12:11.
• (3) Again forty-five days are added, and with them the promise of Daniel 12:12. No account is directly given of that which occupies the interval of seventy-five days between the end of the tribulation and the full blessing of verse 12. It is suggested that the explanation may be found in the prophetic descriptions of the events following the battle of Armageddon. ; Revelation 16:14; 19:21. The Beast is destroyed, and Gentile world-dominion ended, by the smiting of the "Stone cut out without hands" at the end of the 1260 days, but the scene is, so to speak, filled with the debris of the image which the "wind" must carry away before full blessing comes in Daniel 2:35.

Verse 13

days
i.e. of the 1260,1290, and 1335 days.