Daniel 7.25-The King Represented By the Little Horn Will Oppose God and His People for Three and a Half Years
Wenstrom Bible Ministries
Pastor-Teacher Bill Wenstrom
Tuesday June 18, 2013
Daniel: Daniel 7:25-The King Represented By the Little Horn Will Oppose God and His People For Three and a Half Years
Lesson # 224
Please turn in your Bibles to Daniel 7:1.
Daniel 7:1 During Belshazzar’s, Babylon’s king, first year, Daniel saw a dream specifically visions in his mind on his bed. Then, he wrote down the dream. He declares the beginning of the account. 2 Daniel began to speak and said, “I was in a trance like state, staring because of my vision during the night as behold the heaven’s four winds were blowing violently against the great sea. 3 Then, four great beasts, one different from the other, came up out from the sea. 4 The first beast was like a lion with eagle’s wings attached to it. I was in a trance like state staring when its wings were torn off. Then it was lifted up from the ground for the purpose of it standing on two feet like a human being. A human mind was also given to it. 5 Next, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear with it raised up to one side with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. Then, they issued orders to it, ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’ 6 After this, I was staring in a trance like state as behold, another one, was like a leopard with it having four bird’s wings on its back. Also, the beast had four heads. Indeed, governmental dominion was given to it. 7 After this, I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these night visions as behold, a fourth beast, intimidating, yes even terrifying as well as extremely powerful, possessing two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. Indeed, it was characterized as different from all the beasts which were before it in the sense of possessing ten horns. 8 I was contemplating in a trance like state because of these horns as behold, another little horn emerged out from among them. Then, the first three originating from the horns was torn out by being in the presence of it. In fact, behold, on this horn, were eyes like a human being’s eyes as well as a mouth speaking boastfully. 9 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when thrones were set up. Then, the One Ancient in Days sat. His clothing was white like snow. Also, the hair of His head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was fiery flames. Its wheels were a blazing fire. 10 A river composed of fire was flowing, yes issuing forth from His presence. A thousand times a thousand were continually rendering worshipful service to Him. In fact, ten thousand times ten thousand were continually standing in His presence. The court convened resulting in scrolls being opened. 11 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state at that time because of the sound coming from the boastful words which the horn was making a habit of speaking. I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when the beast was killed. In fact, its body was destroyed. Specifically, it was given over to the consuming fire. 12 On the other hand, the rest of the beasts, their governmental dominion was taken away, though for their benefit an extension of life was granted for a period of time, yes an appointed period of time. 13 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these visions as behold One like a Son of Man was coming upon the clouds of heaven. Specifically, He went up to the One Ancient in Days in the sense that He approached His presence. 14 Then, governmental dominion was given to Him as well as honor and in addition sovereignty in order that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities as well as language groups would serve Him. His governmental dominion is an eternal governmental dominion which can never be taken away so that His kingdom is one which can never be destroyed. 15 As for me, Daniel, my soul was distressed in the midst of my body. Specifically, the visions in my mind caused me to be terrified. 16 I went up to one from those standing nearby in order to request from him the truth regarding all this. Consequently, he spoke to me in order to make known to me the interpretation of these events. 17 ‘These great beasts, which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth’s inhabitants. 18 However, the saints belonging to the Most High will receive the kingdom. Indeed, they will possess the kingdom throughout eternity, yes throughout eternity, the ages.’ 19 Then, I desired to know the meaning concerning the fourth beast which was different from all the others, extraordinarily intimidating, its two rows of teeth composed of iron as well as its claws composed of bronze. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. 20 Also, I desired to know the meaning concerning the ten horns which were on its head as well as the one which emerged and in addition three fell by being in the presence of it. Specifically, that horn possessing eyes as well as a mouth making it a habit of speaking boastfully. Indeed, its appearance was more distinguished than its contemporaries. 21 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state as that horn was continually waging war against the saints so as to overpower them 22 until the One Ancient in Days intervened. Specifically, He rendered judgment in favor of the Most High’s saints. Then, the moment arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. 23 Thus, he said, ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all these kingdoms in the sense that it will devour the entire earth. Specifically, it will trample it down so that it crushes it. 24 Also, the ten horns are ten kings who will arise from this kingdom. Then, another will arise after them. However, he will be different in comparison to the previous ones. Specifically, he will conquer three kings.’” (My translation)
Daniel 7:25 “‘He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.’” (NASB95)
“He will speak out against the Most High” is composed of the masculine plural form of the noun mil∙lā(h) (מִלָּה) (mil-law´), “out” and then we have the preposition lĕ (לְ) (leh) and its object is the masculine singular construct form of the noun ṣǎḏ (צַד) (tsad), “against” which is followed by the masculine singular adjective ʿil∙lāy (עִלָּי) (il-lah´ee), “the Most High” and then we have the third person masculine singular paʿʿel (Hebrew: piel) active imperfect form of the verb melǎl (מְלַל) (mel-al´), “He will speak.”
The verb melǎl means “to issue” referring to the act of publishing or officially giving out or making available to the public and indicates that the king represented by the little horn will “issue” public statements, which will be against the Most High.
The noun mil∙lā(h) is in the plural and means “statements” in the sense of a declaration made through spoken communication.
The adjective ʿil∙lāy is used as a substantive and means “the Most High” which denotes the one true God with the very highest status and power.
The word is a reference to the Son of Man, who Jesus Christ interpreted as being a reference to Himself.
The noun ṣǎḏ means “against” and is employed with the preposition lĕ (לְ) (leh), which together are used as a marker of opposition indicating that these statements made by the king represented by the little horn were “against” the Most High.
“Wear down the saints of the Highest One” is composed of the preposition lĕ (לְ) (leh) and its object is the masculine plural construct form of the adjective qǎd∙dîš (קַדִּישׁ) (kad-deesh´), “the saints” and then we have the masculine plural form of the adjective ʿěl·yôn (עֶלְיוֹן) (el-yone´), “the Highest One” which is followed by the third person masculine singular paʿʿel (Hebrew: piel) active imperfect form of the verb belā(h) (בְּלָה) (bel-aw´), “wear down.”
The verb belā(h) means “to persecute” in the sense of harassing or punishing in a manner designed to injure, grieve or afflict and specifically to cause someone to suffer because of their beliefs and here it refers to the Antichrist “persecuting” the saints of the Most High.
The adjective qǎd∙dîš functions as a substantive and means “saints” describing those Jews and Gentiles who are regenerated through faith and as a result of have been set apart to serve the God of Israel exclusively.
This word refers to both regenerate Jews and Gentiles who will be living during Daniel’s Seventieth Week, and in particular the last three and a half years of this seven year period.
The adjective ʿěl·yôn means “the Most High” referring here to the God of Israel and specifically to the Son of Man who Jesus Christ interpreted as being a reference to Himself.
“He will intend to make alterations in times and in law” is composed of the third person masculine singular peʿal (Hebrew: qal stem) active imperfect form of the verb seḇǎr (סְבַר) (seb-ar´), “he will intend” and then we have the preposition lĕ (לְ) (leh) “to” which is prefixed to the hafʿel (Hebrew: hiphil) infinitive construct form of the verb šenā(h) (שְׁנָה) (shen-aw´), “make alterations in” which is followed by the masculine plural form of the noun zemǎn (זְמַן) (zem-awn´), “times” and then we have the conjunction wa (וְ) (waw), “and” which is followed by the feminine singular form of the noun dāṯ (דָּת) (dawth), “law.”
The verb seḇǎr means “to intend, to attempt” and is used with reference to making alterations in time and in law indicating that the king who is represented by the little horn in Daniel’s vision which will “attempt” to change times and law.
The verb šenā(h) means “to change” in the sense of replacing something with another.
It refers to the king represented by the little horn who is the Antichrist attempting “to change” times and law in the sense of attempting to establish a new order, which will be the worship of himself according to Daniel 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 and Revelation 13:1-8.
The noun zemǎn means “times” referring to something that takes place during the course of a twenty-four hour period.
Specifically it is used with reference to the various sacrifices which will take place in the rebuilt Jewish temple during Daniel’s Seventieth Week which are related to the worship of Yahweh.
It also speaks of the seven great feasts of Israel: (1) Passover (2) Unleavened bread (3) First-fruits (4) Pentecost (5) Trumpets (6) Atonement (7) Tabernacles.
The noun dāṯ means “law” referring to the Mosaic Law and specifically to the Levitical laws concerning sacrifices.
The conjunction wa is used to join these two words in order to communicate one idea, which is called “hendiadys.”
Therefore, these two words express one idea, namely that during Daniel’s Seventieth Week the Antichrist will attempt to change “times, yes even the law.”
This figure emphasizes the Antichrist’s antagonism to the God of Israel in that he will attempt to stop the Jews from following the Mosaic Law and specifically observing the laws in Leviticus pertaining to sacrificing to Yahweh as well as observing the seven feasts.
“And they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time” is emphatic meaning that the word is introducing a statement that is advancing upon and intensifying the previous statements.
“They will be given” is the third person masculine plural hitpeʿel (Hebrew: qal) passive imperfect form of the verb yehǎḇ (יְהַב) (yeh-hab´), which means “to give” in the sense of delivering someone into another person’s authority or power to be put to death.
The third person masculine plural form of this verb means “they” referring to the saints of the Most High.
Therefore, it denotes that the saints of the Most High will be given into the power of the Antichrist for three and a half years in the sense that they will be delivered into his power to be put to death.
“Into his hand” is composed of the preposition bĕ (בְּ) (beh), “into” and its object is the feminine singular construct form of the noun yǎḏ (יַד) (yad), “hand” which is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (הוּא) (who), “his.”
The noun yǎḏ means “power” in the sense of possession of control and authority over someone or something.
It denotes Antichrist’s power over the saints of the Most High in the sense that their lives will be placed under his control and authority or in other words, whether they live or die is determined by the Antichrist.
“For a time, times, and half a time” is composed of the preposition ʿǎḏ (עַד) (ad) which is followed by the masculine singular form of the noun ʿid∙dān (עִדָּן) (id-dawn´), “a time” and then we have the conjunction wa (וְ) (waw), which is not translated and followed by the masculine plural form of the noun ʿid∙dān (עִדָּן) (id-dawn´), “times” and then we have the conjunction wa (וְ) (waw), “and” which is followed by the masculine singular construct form of the noun pelǎḡ (פְּלַג) (pel-ag´), “half” and then we have the masculine singular form of the noun ʿid∙dān (עִדָּן) (id-dawn´), “a time.”
The noun ʿid∙dān appears three times in this prepositional phrase.
The first time it is in the singular and means “time” referring to one year according to the Jewish calendar which is 360 days and the second time it occurs it is in the plural meaning “times” referring to two years according to the Jewish calendar which is 720 days.
The third time it occurs the word is again in the singular but this time modified by the noun pelǎḡ, which means “half” of a unit time indicating that the third time the noun ʿid∙dān occurs it refers to half a year according to the Jewish calendar which is 180 days.
Therefore, if you do the math, the interpreter is telling Daniel that the saints of the Most High will be delivered into the power of the Antichrist for three and a half years according to the Jewish calendar.
The first time the noun ʿid∙dān occurs it is the object of the preposition ʿǎḏ which is a marker of a duration of time with reference to another period of time.
Thus this prepositional phrase indicates that the saints of the Most High will be delivered into the power of the Antichrist “for the duration of a” three and a half year period.
Daniel 7:25 “‘Furthermore, he will issue statements against the Most High. Also, he will make it his habit of persecuting the Most High’s saints as well as attempting to change the times, yes even the Law. Indeed, they will be given into his power for a period of a time, times and a half a time.’” (My translation)
Gabriel informs Daniel that this king will issue statements against the Most High, which interprets the statement in Daniel 7:8 and 20 that the little horn spoke boastfully.
The angel then tells Daniel that this king will make it his habit of persecuting the saints of the Most High, which interprets the statement in Daniel 7:21 that the little horn was continually waging war against the saints.
Then, Gabriel informs Daniel that this king will attempt to change the times, yes even the Law.
This does not appear to interpret anything from Daniel’s vision but is additional information which will be further developed in Daniel 9:27.
This statement that the Antichrist will attempt to change times and law is a reference to abolishing the various Levitical sacrifices related to the worship of Yahweh and replacing them with those pertaining to the worship of the Antichrist.
It would also indicate that he will attempt to abolish the observance of the seven great feasts of Israel: (1) Passover (2) Unleavened bread (3) First-fruits (4) Pentecost (5) Trumpets (6) Day of Atonement (7) Tabernacles.
This is supported by the fact that this statement does not interpret anything in Daniel’s vision in chapter seven but is in addition which is developed further by Daniel 9:27, which says that Antichrist will put an end to these sacrifices.
In Daniel 7:25, the noun dāṯ means “law” referring to the Mosaic Law and specifically to the Levitical laws concerning sacrifices since Daniel 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 and Revelation 13:1-8 indicate that Antichrist will put an end to the Levitical sacrifices in order to establish the worship of himself during Daniel’s Seventieth Week.
The angelic interpreter’s last statement in Daniel 7:25 is emphatic informing Daniel that the saints of the Most High will be given into the power of this king represented by the little horn, who we know as the Antichrist, which interprets the statement in Daniel 7:21 that the little horn will overpower the saints.
This refers to God’s people being killed by the Antichrist.
Then, Daniel is told that this will take place for three and a half years which is a reference to the last three and a half years of Daniel’s Seventieth Week, which constitutes the tribulation portion of this seven year period.
These three and a half years correspond with the “for a time (one year), times (two years), and a half time (six months)” in Daniel 7:25 and the “one thousand two hundred and sixty days” in Revelation 12:6 and the “forty-two months” in Revelation 11:2.
This three and a half year period is also not an interpretation of anything in Daniel’s vision in chapter seven but is added by the angel.
It is looking ahead to Daniel 9:27, which is a reference to the Seventieth Week of Daniel in which these future events described by the angel in Daniel 7:23-25 will take place.