“Go your way, Daniel, for the words are to remain secret and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked shall continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:9-10, NRSV).

We propose that the first three chapters of the book of Daniel pertain symbolically to —

• Daniel 1 — Pagan Rome (civil government)
• Daniel 2 — Papal Rome (Beast)
• Daniel 3 — Image of the Beast (Protestants, particularly the Church of England)

The next three chapters show the decline of these —

• Daniel 4 — Demise of Pagan Rome (civil government)
• Daniel 5 — Demise of the Beast
• Daniel 6 — Demise of the Image of the Beast

This comprises the first half of the book, 6 out of 12 chapters. The visions recorded in these chapters are those of Nebuchadnezzar (chapters 2, 4). The last six chapters of Daniel are comprised of four narratives, for chapters 10-12 comprise a single narrative. These four narratives record dreams or visions by Daniel himself.

The first six chapters are recorded in sequence as they occurred chronologically — the last four narratives likewise — but the second set overlaps the first set. Thus, chapter 6 occurs after Babylon had fallen to Persia, but chapter 7 goes back to the first year of Belshazzar, the last ruler of the Babylonian Empire.

Thus the first half of Daniel is distinct from the second half in both ways. There is also a prophetic significance to this. For example, in Daniel 2, when Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of an image of gold, silver, copper, and iron, this represented four magnificent empires, as the rulers of this world might view them. Whereas in Daniel 7, the prophet Daniel’s dream of the same four empires shows them as four dreadful beasts, as God’s people would view them.

Years ago, attending high school we spend a large amount of time studying World War II — rightfully so, because the teachers were veterans of that war. We spent little time on World War I. It was not until later, meeting with brethren, that we saw a connection between these two wars, and the rebirth of the nation of Israel.[1]

ISAAC NEWTON

Our understanding of Daniel has roots in the Adventist movement, and earlier. In 1733 Isaac Newton wrote the book “Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John.” As he wisely said, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” We can say the same. Our knowledge is built on the work of those who came before us.

Daniel begins with Nebuchadnezzar’s first siege of Jerusalem, early in the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah (2 Kings 24:1, Daniel 1:1). Babylon plundered “part of the vessels of the house of God,” and additionally took some captives from the expanded royal family. This was meant to induce Jehoiakim’s loyalty and his obedience to Babylon. Among those taken were Daniel (later named Belteshazzar) and three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (known by their Babylonian names as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).

SEVEN TIMES

Daniel 4 is often connected to Leviticus 26, for each of these chapters mentions “seven times” four times.[2] In Daniel 4, the four appearances of “times” is from Strong’s 5732, iddan, the same word that appears also in Daniel 7:25, “a time and times and the dividing of time” — 3½ times. These 3½ prophetic times appear also in Daniel 12:7, and in Revelation 12:14. In Revelation 12:7 the same period is termed 1260 days. Thus the “seven times” of Daniel 4, double 3½ times, would be 2520 days. Prophetically, a day is fulfilled as a year (Ezekiel 4:6). Thus Daniel 4 refers to a period of 2520 years.

Leviticus 26 describes the consequences for Israel, should they become disobedient to God. Their punishment would be for “seven times.” In Daniel, the expression refers to four empires that would rule over Israel, also for “seven times.” This was revealed in a dream to Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the first of four empires that would dominate Israel for 2520 years. —

This period of 2520 years extended through four empires — Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome — from 607 BC to 1914. This time of punishment pertains to natural Israel, and is well understood by brethren. However, in the first six chapters of Daniel there are also symbolic lessons, prophetic lessons, that pertain to spiritual Israel, the Church, during the Gospel Age.

DANIEL CHAPTER ONE

When studying the book of Daniel, we may pay little attention to the first chapter because the plainly prophetic portions are contained in following chapters. But there appears to be a prophetic meaning even in this introductory chapter.

“In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. (2) The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land of Shinar, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his gods” (Daniel 1:1, 2, NRSV).

Daniel the prophet, a man of faith

Daniel, a faithful prophet of God, and his devoted companions, may represent God’s faithful ones of the Gospel Age, under various afflictions. As the Church expanded early in the age, through the Roman world, a deep persecution of the Church arose from Pagan Rome. The “Great Persecution” was a period of 10 years, from 303 to 313, referred to in Revelation 2:10. “Ye shall have tribulation 10 days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Daniel and his companions had a similar 10-day test. They declined to eat of the king’s meat, knowing that it would have been offered to Babylonian gods. They also declined “the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:5). They requested instead to have a simple diet of pulse (rather than meat) and water (rather than wine), that would be spiritually clean. Their keeper agreed upon a test of 10 days, after which their countenance was fair and fresh, through God’s overruling care.

At the end of the 10 days, Daniel and his companions “appeared fairer and fatter in flesh” than others (Daniel 1:15). Persecution for overcomers strengthens one’s resolve. It draws the persecuted together, and minor differences are overlooked.

The time from 33 to 313 is a period of 280 years, which is also 40 weeks (of years). Forty weeks is also the duration of a human pregnancy, from inception to birth. The “birth” of Christianity in 313 as a viable institution followed the noted 10 years of persecution. Revelation 12:2 describes this as Christianity “travailing in birth.”

DANIEL CHAPTER TWO

In this chapter, Nebuchadnezzar had his famous dream of a great image of gold, silver, copper, and iron — with feet mixed, of iron and clay. The feet represent the time when Papacy (as clay, imitation stone) was “mixed” with the Roman state (iron). Mixed together they were a repressive force over Christendom. Christendom. Ultimately a stone cut out without hands — the church developed by the Spirit of God — would smite the image, which “became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away” (Daniel 2:35).

In 1914 the image was smitten, crumbled, and is being carried away by the winds of war. Thereafter, Israel was established as a nation again, and will, in time, be the place from which God’s Kingdom on earth will flow outward to the rest of mankind.

DANIEL CHAPTER THREE

In this chapter Nebuchadnezzar caused the construction of a large image, 60 cubits high and 6 cubits wide, to which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were directed to bow down, along with other inhabitants of Babylon. This “image” (Daniel 3:1) and its numbers, 60 and 6, connect to Revelation 13:11-18. Here we also find mention of an “image of the beast” (verse 14). As the main beast (papacy) was identified with the number 600, 60, and 6 — so the “image” of this beast is numbered with 60 and 6. It is less dreadful, but still possesses power to deceive.

The Image of Daniel 3, that the three Hebrews declined to bow to

The two-horned beast in Revelation 13:11 is often identified as the Church of England and Ireland. Being connected to the British Empire, this Church-State combination, with a broad and dominant influence, was an image of the original Papal Beast. It was also a persecuting institution, though not as severe Papacy.

Nebuchadnezzar’s image was set up “in the plain of Dura,” in the “province of Babylon,” but not in the city of Babylon itself. So the Church of England was established within Christendom, but not in the heartland of Europe, where Papacy had more control.

King Henry VIII broke from Rome in 1534 with the “Act of Supremacy,” which made him Supreme Head of the Church of England, removing the Pope’s religious authority in England. This break allowed Henry to divorce Catherine, officially marry Anne Boleyn, and make himself wealthy by seizing the land and goods of former Catholic monasteries.

In the movie “Elizabeth,” while standing on the cliffs of Dover, overlooking the Spanish armada coming to attack England, Queen Elizabeth asked her court seated on horses, “You know what is in the bowels of those ships, don’t you?” They looked at her puzzled. Her reply was: “The inquisition.” If Spain had been victorious, England would have turned Catholic once again, and Protestants would have been persecuted.

Daniel 3:4, 5 describes the redirecting of worship away from Rome to the new image of the beast. “Then an herald cried aloud, ‘To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages that … ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.’” Worshipping the image was now the call to all those under British Rule.

DANIEL CHAPTERS 4, 5, 6

Daniel Chapter Four recounts the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar becoming an animal-like figure, and later regaining his mind. “My reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom … excellent majesty was added unto me” (verse 36). Once ravaged by beastly empires, mankind’s reason will be restored with excellent majesty in God’s coming kingdom.

Daniel Chapter Five speaks of Belshazzar, the last administrator of Babylon.[3] He was “lifted up … against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his horse before thee; and thou, and thy lords … have drunk wine in them, and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone” (verse 23). This judgment refers to a judgment on Papacy that during the Gospel Age used precious things of the Spirit for natural benefit. Papacy was “drunken with the blood of the saints … having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication” (Revelation 17:6, 4).

Daniel Chapter Six, verse one, says Darius “set over the kingdom 120 princes … over the whole kingdom.” The Persian Empire introduced here was larger than the Babylonian Empire. The parallel points to the British Empire being more expansive than any that had come before. If one googles this question, “How many colonies did England have throughout its history,” AI reports: “England’s colonial reach, as part of the British Empire, involved roughly 120 colonies throughout its history.”

This is perhaps a coincidence. In any case, 120 is 60 + 60, so as in Daniel chapter 3, we have two sixes opening the narrative showing a connection to the image of the original beast (Papacy) and its association to three sixes.

In this chapter we have a victory of Daniel over his opponents, who had conspired against him. This may represent the final deliverance of the saints and their exaltation to kingly authority with Christ. Daniel was here cast into a lion’s den but was not eaten — in chapter 3, his three friends were cast into a furnace heated seven times, but they were not burned. In each period, the hand of providence cared for God’s people.

LANGUAGES

The Old Testament is written primarily in Hebrew. However, in the Book of Daniel two languages appear, Hebrew and Aramaic. Daniel begins and ends with Hebrew, but Daniel 2:4 through 7:28 are in Aramaic, which had become the language of the Babylonians. These chapters prophetically describe the rise and fall of Gentile dominion. Perhaps the use of a Gentile language is designed to portray the Gentile influence.

Daniel 1:4 says the young Jewish males “were taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans” (NRSV). This may describe when Babylon, dominant in the Gospel Age, mixed Christian worship with false teachings.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Prophetically, the Book of Daniel has applications to natural Israel, Pagan Rome, and Christianity. As he hung on the cross, the inscription over Jesus’ head read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. These languages relate to natural Israel, Rome, and Christianity (the New Testament being written in Greek).

Israel, Pagan Rome, and Christianity are also referred to in Revelation. The seven trumpets of Revelation refer to seven judgments through the age. In Trumpet One Israel is overthrown by Rome (Revelation 8:7). In Trumpet Two Pagan Rome is overthrown by Constantine (Revelation 8:8). In Trumpet Six, there is a longer description of judgment against Papacy (Revelation 9:14-19).

Daniel 1:5 mentions that the young Hebrews were offered meat and wine, but bread is not mentioned. Perhaps suggesting that during the dominance of spiritual Babylon, a proper appreciation of the sacrifice of Christ dimmed, and false doctrines (wine) increased.

Daniel and his three Hebrew friends, declining the king’s food.

The Babylonian names given to the young captives perhaps suggest an influence from spiritual Babylon over the Lord’s people.

• Daniel — God is my judge, or God will judge.
• Hananiah — Grace, mercy, or the Lord is gracious.
• Mishael — Who is as the God is
• Azariah — Whom Jehovah helps

Daniel 1:7, NRSV, “The palace master gave them other names.”

• Belteshazzar — formed from Bel, the chief Babylonian god
• Shadrach — Command of Ack (Akkadian), Aku the name of the Babylonian moon god.
• Meshack — rather than the Hebrew el, they substituted Shak, a Babylonian goddess (Sheshack,[4] Jeremiah 25:26, 51:41). It was during her feast that Cyrus took Babylon.
• Abednego — servant of Nego, or Nebo, the second god of Babylonians (Isaiah 46:1).

In the book The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop explains how false Christianity adopted paganism, and how pagan thoughts came into Christianity. It continues to this day. In 2024, while in Rome, on a tour of the Vatican, our guide mentioned that the Vatican has the world’s most extensive collection of pagan gods, objects, and artifacts.

“Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal ratios of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him to not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8, NRSV). The true church has kept itself from pagan and earthly defilement. At the end of this age, a call has been issued from heaven. “Come out of her, my people, so that you do not take part in her sins … for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4-5, NRSV).

A CLEAN CONSCIENCE

Bad things do happen to good people, and we are not to seek favor from the world. Our reward is in heaven. We are all sinners, but let us have a clean conscience — so, as they say, we can look in the mirror. “Through the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2, NRSV). “Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience” (Hebrews 10:22, NRSV).

“God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). So the Lord’s people have had spiritual insight deeper than others, during the age. We obtain wisdom through knowing the word of God and applying what we know to life’s experiences.

“At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar” (Daniel 1:18, NRSV). Ashpenaz, master of the eunuchs, perhaps represents the pagan priests who accepted Christianity through the encouragement of Constantine, but did not become true Christians. Nebuchadnezzar appreciated Daniel and his friends, as Constantine appreciated Christians — though neither leader fully embraced the true God and His principles.

Daniel 1:20, “In all matters of wisdom and understanding … he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers … in all his realm.” True Christians were superior to pagan priest converts. This is an earthly picture, as 10 represents things of earth.

Daniel 1:21, “and Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.” King Cyrus pictures our Lord Jesus, from his return forward. As Cyrus freed the Israelites, so our King has called us forth from Babylon — and also gathered natural Israelites to their homeland. As Cyrus allowed the rebuilding of Jerusalem, so Christ gathers the elect, constituting New Jerusalem that will rule in the Kingdom.

IN CONCLUSION

The word of God is so well written that lessons on various levels can be gleaned from the same texts. There is man’s view of history, and there is God’s view of history. Let us immerse ourselves in the Word of God to gain a proper perspective on the meaningful events of history, from God’s point of view.

— Br. Bill Dutka

 

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[1] President Harry S. Truman recognized a connection between these two wars. The first ended in 1918, month 11, day 11, hour 11. President Truman, against the wishes of his cabinet, signed the document recognizing the State of Israel, 11 minutes after Israel’s proclamation on independence on May 14, 1948. Truman understood the significance, and its tie to World War I.

[2] In Leviticus 26 the Hebrew word is “seven,” without an additional word for “times.” Most translations add the word “times,” supposing that it is implied by the word “seven.”

[3] Belshazzar was a mystery for some time, until in modern times tablet records from Babylon unveiled his identity. He was the son of the last ruler of the Babylonian Empire, Nabonidus, who in his later years appointed his son Belshazzar to govern Babylon on his behalf, while Nabonidus himself travelled and occupied himself in other activities.

[4] Note on Sheshak. There is a technical word for it, but when letters in the Hebrew alphabet are numbered 1-22, and they substitute letters 22-1 (a code), BaBeL becomes SheShaK.

 

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